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Day: 18 December 2016

MUFC Player Ratings: West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United

A yardstick for the success of a football club in a domestic season is their consistency. Over the last three years, Manchester United fans have had to realise that positive consistency is a luxury, and not the norm, as it may have seemed with the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. Under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal there were numerous false dawns in which United looked like a team with purpose and quality. Each glimmer of hope, however, was quickly stubbed out, with some of the most memorable stubbing-outs at the hands of West Bromwich Albion.

United had not won at the Hawthorns in their three previous visits, losing two and drawing one. To make matters worse for the Reds, the Baggies had won three consecutive home games and were sitting just three points below United before kick-off. With Jose Mourinho at the helm of United and Tony Pulis behind West Brom’s steering wheel, one could easily envision a dull, low scoring match.

Unfortunately, for the neutral, the game played out pretty much as expected. United opened proceedings with a goal through Zlatan Ibrahimović in the 5th minute before taking their foot off the gas to absorb West Brom’s push for an immediate equaliser. The Reds created a couple more opportunities before half time, but, more importantly, solidified their defence against the potentially dangerous attack of Nacer Chadli, Matt Phillips and Salomón Rondón. The Venezuelan striker, who scored a hat trick of headers just three days prior, nodded West Brom’s best chance of the match over the bar before half time.

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The second half, too, failed to live up to the Premier League’s glowing standards of excitement. United, though, did the one thing that they have failed to achieve against many of their opponents this season; consolidate a win by adding a two goal cushion. Zlatan grabbed the second with a nice piece of individual skill followed by a luckily deflected shot past former Red, Ben Foster. Mourinho’s men sat back for the remained of the game and saw out all three points.

It is now four wins in a row for United in all competitions, a feat last observed at the beginning of the season. That run of wins came to an end with the visit of local rivals Manchester City. This time, United face Sunderland and Middlesbrough at home, two very winnable games. With this new found momentum and belief, Manchester United genuinely have a chance of breaking into the top tier of the domestic league if any one of the current top five have a wobble.

Player Ratings

GK: David De Gea: 6

A very calm day at the office for the Spaniard. Was not called into any serious action throughout the whole match due to the solidity of the organised defence in front of him. His distribution was good: one lobbed-through-ball goal kick found Rooney impressively on the left wing.

RB: Antonio Valencia: 7

A stereotypically robust performance from the Ecuadorian right back. His physical attributes (his strength and pace) gave West Brom issues defensively and offensively with neither Allan Nyom nor Phillips being able to deal with Valencia. Played a brilliant through ball to Jessie Lingard which led to the opening goal. The one mark that can be put next to his name was his inability to stop Phillips’ cross which Rondon headed over. Other than that, it is all gold stars for Mourinho’s golden pupil.

RCB: Phil Jones: 8

Finally living up to Ferguson’s prophecy, the ex-Blackburn Rovers defender looks like the centre back which United have been looking for since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić left the club. Only lost one header against the towering Rondon and marshalled West Brom’s attacks efficiently. Made an impressive eight clearances too, showing his no-nonsense outlook towards defending.

LCB: Marcos Rojo: 9

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

While you can argue, “West Brom did not offer enough to merit Rojo a 9/10”, you would be ignoring the purity of the Argentine’s performance. Rojo put in, without doubt, his best performance in a United shirt against the Baggies. Fourteen clearances, 100% tackle success rate, 100% aerial success rate and a very impressive (for his capabilities) 87% pass accuracy. While Rojo was lucky not to pick up a red card against both Everton and Crystal Palace, the Argentine defender put in a squeaky clean performance in his one-on-one duels with Rondon, despite earning a ridiculous yellow card when the Venezuelan striker slapped him.

LB: Matteo Darmian: 8

Much more convincing defensively than against Tottenham Hotspur. Darmian is a typical Italian footballer: very solid and well drilled in the dark arts of defending but poor in the more technically demanding final third of the pitch. Against West Brom, however, Matteo put in a good shift going forward, supporting Rooney well whenever the skipper cut inside on his right foot. Made an assuring eight interceptions, three more than the whole of the Baggies’ defence combined.

CDM: Michael Carrick: 8

A directing performance good enough to earn an Oscar. Carrick pulled all the strings in the game, putting his foot in to stop West Brom attacks and adding composure to United’s build up play with his incisive passing and nonchalant body language. Six interceptions, four clearances and a passing accuracy of 92% show his importance to Mourinho’s starting eleven.

RCM: Ander Herrera: 7

Like Valencia, Mourinho’s other reliable student is the hardworking Spaniard from Bilbao. His industrious running helped United retain possession and pull West Brom’s (normally very organised) midfield all over the shop. Three tackles and five interceptions illustrate Herrera’s role as the energetic box-to-box midfielder.

LCM: Paul Pogba: 8

Glided over the pitch so gracefully that Ferguson’s description of Giggs’ running style could have been aptly appropriated to the Frenchman. Dictated United’s attacking play and whipped some very appeasing cross-field passes to Valencia on the right wing. A few long range efforts could have been more accurate but Pogba’s all round game was enough to bring United the three points.

RM: Jessie Lingard: 8

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

So often criticised for not being enough quality for Manchester United, Lingard once again showed how integral he is to Mourinho’s squad. His brilliant half-volleyed cross put the ball on a silver platter for Ibrahimović for United’s opener. The Mancunian’s runs behind the defence stretched West Brom and allowed the creation of plenty of chances, most notably his lay off to Rooney whose shot was saved onto the crossbar. While he skied a very good opportunity to put United 2-0 up before the break, Lingard’s tireless running gave the Reds another dimension in the attacking third which helped pry open Pulis’ well-drilled defence.

LM: Wayne Rooney: 7

Mourinho has managed to find a very suitable role for United’s skipper of late. On the wing, Rooney’s work rate can be harnessed while his passing and goal threat are still visible. His snap shot, which Foster tipped onto the crossbar, was a typical thunderous effort which Rooney is still capable of producing.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimović: 9

Critics claimed that the mercenary striker would not be able to tuck away goals in the Premier League like he did in Ligue 1. While Zlatan is not hitting the same goal-to-game ratio that he was at Paris Saint Germain, he is clearly a suitable match to the English physicality. His brace against West Brom, a formidable header followed by a deflected effort, takes his domestic goal tally to 11 in 17 matches; a similar level to the likes of Diego Costa, Sergio Agüero and Alexis Sánchez.

Subs

Marcus Rashford: 7

Came on for the tiring Lingard and added frightening pace to United on the counter. Had to be wiped out by Chris Brunt when the youngster had the chance to burst into West Brom’s half unopposed.

Marouane Fellaini: N/A

Was cheered and applauded by United’s travelling support after the grim reception which the Belgian experienced at Old Trafford the previous weekend. Took Rooney’s place and helped solidify all three points for United.

Chris Smalling: N/A

Replaced Herrera in the dying moments of the game to waste some time and add further steel to United’s defence. Is unlikely to break into the first team given the form of Rojo and Jones.

Patience is a virtue

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have had a rollercoaster first few months together. The first ten games of the season were exceptional as Guardiola got the perfect reaction to his new style from the City players. The new manager had always persisted that he would need time to get his philosophy instilled in the City team, but it all seemed to piece together quicker than he expected.

He made the goalkeeper vital to every attack and gave a new lease of life to players like Raheem Sterling and more surprisingly Alecksander Kolarov. The team went on a ten-game winning streak. Since then, though, the Blues have slightly slipped down to fourth place.

Big wins over Manchester United and Barcelona will see the City faithful happy, and they are only a few points off the top spot. But with Chelsea in full swing with their new manager, Mourinho picking up some steam at Old Trafford, and even Arsenal not bottling every single game they play this year, the City fans may be tempted to panic a little after a string of less convincing results. But this is a transition period, and they should not panic — patience is a virtue and this team are gelling slowly. There are two main causes of concern for Manchester City: the back three and the goalkeeper. Watch, as I put your mind at ease and allow you to relax over this festive period.

Back Three

It is almost as if Pep was too effective for his own good. His back four did excellent for the first part of the season, so he saw fit that it was time to bring in the Guardiola back three. This has worked at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but even there he did not bring it in this early. Injuries to Bacary Sagna, Pablo Zabaleta, and Gael Clichy may have slightly forced his hand also.

It was a big change, when you consider that City were playing with a brand-new style of football (passing it around, instead of the Pellegrini pass-to-Navas-and-run-down-the-bloody-wing), and that both John Stones and Claudio Bravo were new to the team. Not to mention that Kolarov was playing in a very new position, as he was very much an attacking full-back last season instead of a centre-back.

This is the stage of this article where Tommy from the Red Lion puts down the paper and stands on a chair. “Aye! That fancy fella in the fancy coat may look alright, but this back three stuff is too fancy. It might’ve worked in Barce-bloody-lona, but this is the North! Stop fannying about!” Tommy, however, is short-sighted. The back three could work great at City, and is proving very successful at Chelsea at the moment. Also, Guardiola loves the back three and it generally works well with him.

There is an argument that the back three may have been installed a little bit too soon. But, the quicker that Guardiola can put in place his way of thinking, then the quicker City can get used to it and get playing the way they should be. City fans should ride the wave with this one.

Claudio Bravo

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

We all love a good moan, don’t we? City fans have been complaining for years about Joe Hart’s kicking, and now that he has left City fans are adamant that he could have adapted to Guardiola’s style of play. Guardiola was announced as City manager in January, but only took over in June; Joe Hart knew for a long time that he would need to impress with his feet, and he was given the summer. Unfortunately, he did not. Claudio Bravo came in and has been great with his feet.

However, that does not mean that Bravo has had a good time of it so far, this season. He has been at fault a couple of times and even managed to get himself sent off for a handball in the middle of the pitch (that, I admit, is very difficult to defend).

This may be a good time to remind readers that David de Gea’s first season at Manchester United was abysmal, he is now the best goalkeeper in the league by a country mile. This may also be a good time remind readers that Claudio Bravo was exceptional at Barcelona. Barcelona!

I get it, the headteacher sacked your favourite teacher because he wasn’t really teaching very well, and you are mad about it. That is fine, be mad. But maybe don’t take it out on the new substitute teacher that isn’t half as bad as you are making out.

Bravo is not as good a shot stopper as Joe Hart, and probably never will be. But he will be good enough if given time, and he starts so many more attacks than Joe Hart could. Some of the passing this season from Bravo has been fantastic, he forces the opponents to push right up and close him down, he then rides the pressure, and passes to a now free central midfielder who can turn and go score a goal. It all sounds very simple on paper, of course, but that is what he does so well. Thierry Henry recently said: “When Pep has a plan, respect the plan.”

So, do not worry! This is not Tommy from the Red Lion managing Manchester City — it is Champions League winner Pep Guardiola, and he knows what he is doing. Do not worry that Guardiola “won’t adapt to the Premier League”. Guardiola changed his style as he moved from Barcelona to Bayern Munich because of the league, using wingers an awful lot more. Guardiola is not a polar bear that has been thrown in the Sahara — he will adapt but he can do so in time, and the League will also somewhat adapt to him.

(Feel free to tweet me a link to this article if Pep Guardiola gets fired at the end of next season for finishing 12th after playing with a back three the whole season.)

MUFC Player Ratings: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United

After proving that they have the quality to compete with the best against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United urgently needed to show some consistency by beating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Facing the Eagles, however, would not be easy. In their previous three fixtures, the London Club had scored ten goals but conceded eight, illustrating that they can be dangerous when prompted. United, on the other hand, have not scored more than a single goal in a Premier League match since they thumped Swansea City 3-1.

Jose Mourinho, due to the injury of Henrik Mkhitaryan and the suspension of Antonio Valencia, was forced to make changes to his starting eleven. Eric Bailly and Daley Blind held down the right and left back positions respectively with the steady partnership of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones making up the back four. The trio of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba filled the midfield for United while Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Juan Mata capped off an excruciatingly slow starting eleven.

Photo: WikimediaCommons

The lack of pace in United’s team could be seen from the first minute to the last; the creation of chances from both sides was low and while the Reds dominated the possession, they spent most of their time camped on the edge of Palace’s box. United’s goal just before half time summed up the game; Ibrahimović elbowed the ball to the offside Pogba who passed the ball past the hapless Wayne Hennessey. With all the talk of unluckiness surrounding Old Trafford, United were lucky to be one up at the break and still have ten men — Marcos Rojo should have seen red for a two-footed challenge in the 38th minute.

In the second half the game opened up with Palace seeking an equaliser. A nice move involving Joel Ward, Damien Delany and James McArthur split United’s defence open and allowed the Scot to fire a shot past the helpless David De Gea to bring Palace level. The Reds pushed for a winner in the final 20 minutes and were rewarded when Pogba repaid the favour to Ibrahimović by slotting the big Swede through to lift the ball past Hennessey.

While this may not have been United’s most convincing performance, the three points will be gladly welcomed by Mourinho who has taken the Reds to three points behind the European places. United are unbeaten in nine matches now, winning the last three, and are developing the slightest sense of momentum. Whisper it quietly, however, as their next fixture is away to an in-form West Bromwich Albion side who are sitting three points behind the Reds.

Player Ratings:

GK: David De Gea: 7

A quiet game for the Spanish international. Had to keep his wits about him, however, when McArthur whipped a fantastic curling effort towards the top corner in the 62nd minute. Could not have done anything about Palace’s goal which was well worked to leave the Spaniard stranded.

RB: Eric Bailly: 7

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Was reintroduced to the side at right back so not to disrupt the strong partnership of Jones and Rojo and looked comfortable; he spent much of his time on the right side of defence when with Villareal last season. Comfortably dealt with Lee Chung-Yong and gave Ward some things to think about when the big Ivorian pushed forward. Suffered a nasty foul from Lee towards the end of the first half which saw him substituted just after half time. It is now likely that United will not see Bailly on the pitch again until after the Africa Cup of Nations.

RCB: Phil Jones: 7

Had the tough task of dealing with the physical presence of Christian Benteke but passed with flying colours. Won five headers which was only bettered by Pogba in a United shirt. Was caught out by Delany’s back heel for the goal but otherwise enjoyed a solid game.

LCB: Marcos Rojo: 6

Not as convincing as his centre back partner. Only won three out of his seven attempted headers but otherwise kept Palace sufficiently quiet. The Argentine, like against Everton, should have seen red for an excessively aggressive two-footed lunge in the first half. Despite that, Rojo set up Mata with a good header but unfortunately the Spaniards goal was chalked off for an offside flag. He also missed a good opportunity to put the Reds ahead in the 77th minute when his header flew over the bar.

LB: Daley Blind: 7

A quietly solid game for the Dutchman who has been in and out of Mourinho’s starting eleven since the beginning of the season. Won four tackles (more than any other United defender), four interceptions (more than any other United player) and made four clearances. Was not sufficiently challenged by McArthur, who drifted inside often, and Martin Kelly did not push much further than the half way line.

CDM: Michael Carrick: 7

Another silky smooth performance from United’s go to midfield anchor. Dictated the attacking tempo from deep and helped the defence keep its shape when Palace looked to counter attack. Played a Barcelona-esque dinked-through ball to Pogba at the end of the first half which drew a good save out of Hennessey.

RCM: Ander Herrera: 7

Buzzed around the pitch with his usual intensity but his technical ability was not as high as the Spaniard has shown in recent weeks. Often picked up possession on the edge of Palace’s box with no idea what to do with the ball. Did play an important part in the retention of possession, however, with the former Athletic Bilbao player winning more tackles than both Pogba and Carrick combined (4).

LCM: Paul Pogba: 8

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A man of the match performance from the Frenchman who seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. Popped up in the box to tuck home Zlatan’s knock down at the end of the first half and played through the Swedish striker in the 88th minute to seal all three points. His chip over the Palace defence for Rooney was the first good opportunity of the match and a sweetly struck left footed volley forced Hennessey into an important save. The Frenchman did find himself the wrong side of McArthur for Palace’s equaliser but the transfer record player redeemed himself with his attacking performance. Won more dribbles than all of the United players combined (4).

RM: Juan Mata: 6

One of those quiet games for Mata who suffered from the lack of pace around him. Bailly’s reluctance to bomb forward (unlike Valencia) and Herrera’s substandard attacking impetus left Mata isolated on the right flank. The Spaniard was, however, unlucky to be pulled back for offside when he made a good run and tapped the ball past Hennessey.

LM: Wayne Rooney: 7

A decent performance from United’s skipper who has been rotated into the side when needed. Missed a good opportunity to put United ahead in the third minute when he headed the ball over the bar. Forced Hennessey into two good saves either side of half time. Looks generally quite suited to a wide forward with his good defensive tracking and dangerous whipped crosses.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimović: 7

Another goal for the Swedish hero takes his tally in the League to nine in fifteen appearances. His aerial success was not as formidable as usual up against Scott Dann, with the United man only winning 38 per cent of his duels. Zlatan did, however, show some good hold up play to set up Lingard for his chance in the 78th minute. His finish was perfectly lifted over Hennessey and the Swede was humorously put in midfield after his goal to stop Palace lumping the ball up to their strikers.

Subs

Matteo Darmian: 7

Came on at right back for the injured Bailly and played well. Was completely duped by Ward for Palace’s equaliser but the Italian redeemed himself with a good cross to Rooney five minutes later which the skipper fluffed. Made some important tackles in the final five to stop Palace seeking another equaliser.

Jessie Lingard: 6

Replaced the ineffective Mata at right wing and added more movement to United’s forward play. Got on the end of a good Ibrahimović pass but fired his shot straight at Hennessey.

Marcus Rashford: N/A

Came on for Rooney in the 79th minute and instantly looked dangerous and direct. Was important at holding up the ball in the final five to waste time for Palace who were seeking a late goal.