Following Manchester United’s thrilling 3-3 draw at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, it seems that the Red Devils have a lot to learn.
Wayne Rooney still has a lot left in the tank
Wayne Rooney gave his critics a timely reminder of just how dominant he can be when on song. The England and United captain looked dangerous from the get-go and was a cause of concern for the Magpies every time he picked up the ball. He showed great composure to give United the lead from the spot and then incredible awareness to play a reverse ball to send Jesse Lingard through on goal for the second.
For the first time this season, he led from the front and was lethal as the focal point of the Reds’ attack. He played behind the striker in the second half, and looked to put Martial in on several occasions.
His second goal had all the hallmarks of a vintage Rooney goal with an unstoppable shot from outside the box leaving Rob Elliott with absolutely no chance of saving it. He terrorised Coloccini all night and could have punished Newcastle further when latching onto the ball in dangerous positions but he could be pardoned after putting in such an imperious performance.
Rooney deserved to be on the winning side on Tuesday night and now has three goals in his past two games. If the Englishman can build on this form, it might take a lot of heat off him and his manager.
Reinforcements are desperately needed at full-back
With long-term injuries to Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and even Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young has been primarily deployed as a wing-back or full-back and the Englishman has enjoyed a renaissance under Louis Van Gaal. Despite his positive attacking contributions, the former Aston Villa man has shown time and time again this season that his defensive game isn’t up to scratch to be playing as a fullback for United. Against stronger opposition such as Arsenal and the in-form Leicester, Young was ripped to shreds by their explosive attackers.
The converted winger is adept at supporting the winger ahead of him with some positive runs and inviting crosses into the box but his marking and defensive lapses leave a lot to be desired. Disappointingly, against much weaker opponents on Tuesday night, the England international was all over the place and unable to handle Moussa Sissoko who got past him effortlessly on several occasions. Van Gaal must find a capable deputy for his injured full-backs in this transfer window if United are to finish in the top four this season.
Could this be Marouane Fellaini’s last season as a red?
Since his arrival two seasons back at Old Trafford, Fellaini has yet to win over some United supporters who feel he doesn’t have the tactical acumen or technical qualities to be playing in a United shirt. Sadly, these shortcomings will be impossible to change and the Belgian’s game just isn’t suited to a trademark Old Trafford side. His clumsy play-style has helped United when they’ve been in need of a goal but Van Gaal’s ‘Plan B’ has been heavily criticised with hoofing balls to the Belgian battering ram being more of a relegation club’s tactic then the most decorated club in England.
On Tuesday night, Fellaini further exemplified his unsuitability for the side after being deployed in a midfield pairing with Morgan Schneiderlin. The Reds were constantly overrun in midfield by a revitalised Newcastle side and the Belgian did little to stem the tide of black and white shirts into his half.
He constantly gave the ball away and his reckless behaviour led to him conceding a shocking three fouls in a span of nine minutes, the last of which earned him a booking. Furthermore, his hesitancy and limited technical ability with the ball led to several promising United attacks breaking down. The final nail in his coffin was his unmarked header late in the game being directed straight at the Newcastle keeper. He could have made amends by scoring a goal which would have given United a two goal cushion but by squandering a golden opportunity, he did little to enamour himself to already infuriated supporters.
With rumours of Milan being interested in the player, could this be the end of Marouane Fellaini’s career at United?
Herrera’s and Mata’s Old Trafford careers are heading in different directions
A month back, fans were perplexed as to why Ander Herrera was barely being given a run in the side, with the Basque native clearly improving the team every time he played. Herrera was frozen out of the team while his countryman, Juan Mata had become indispensable to Van Gaal, starting nearly every game. However, the former Chelsea man’s performances have waned since then, and his influence on games has been nearly non-existent.
Recently, Herrera has found himself back in the starting line-up and in his favoured advanced position behind the striker. The Spaniard increases the tempo of a turgid United side and his combativeness, coupled with his vision, make him a perfect fit for the Number 10 role.
Herrera controlled the first half against Newcastle on Tuesday and showed that he has a big role to play in this United side. Contrastingly, Mata was brought on in the closing minutes and was completely anonymous. The diminutive playmaker is creative and technically one of the best in the league, but playing him as a winger is a waste of his talent. He isn’t blessed with blistering pace and has always done most of his damage from the centre of the pitch. Hence, expecting him to take on opponents and get past them is unfair.
With Herrera and Rooney in contention for the Number 10 role, it seems Mata will have to compete for a position on the wings. After Memphis’ lively cameo and Lingard’s goalscoring appearance, it will be hard for him to break into the starting eleven any time soon. Sadly, it seems the Spaniard is set for a spell on the substitutes’ bench for a while.
