Manchester United may only be one game into their season but the critics were out in full force after their fortunate opening-day victory over Wolves, with much scrutiny focused on the less-than-impressive midfield performance.
Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho in particular were targeted for heavy criticism after their performances last night.
Opening Day Victory for Manchester Despite Tactical Errors
Gary Neville on Casemiro Woes
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had strong words for United at the half and after the full-time whistle, but he saved his most scathing criticism for the club’s number 18: “Casemiro got absolutely torn to shreds tonight. Man Utd’s midfield was non-existent and they were absolutely ripped apart. Wolves were absolutely fantastic. Manchester United’s midfield was non-existent, it emptied. That would have been a real worry for Erik ten Hag.”
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Neville’s analysis certainly appeared justified. The Brazilian international had a difficult game, he was dispossessed and beaten on several occasions, with Wolves’ free-flowing midfielders able to pass through the middle of the pitch with ease.
In particular, Matheus Nunes and Matheus Cunha were standout performers and consistently penetrated United’s midfield line. However, tactically it should have been clear to ten Hag this would be a problem when the team sheets were announced.
Man Utd Faced a Clear Overload and Had a Lack of Support in Midfield
Gary O’Neill set his Wolves side up without a recognised striker. Partly to get his best players on the pitch, with the centre-forward position clearly a weak spot in his squad.
The centre of the midfield, however, was especially strong, with winger Nunes demonstrating his tendency to cause problems by driving at defenders on the inside of the pitch. He played alongside Cunha and Pablo Sarabia, two midfielders with a preference to play further forward, which left Casemiro easily outnumbered in his efforts to contain a midfield overload.
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Captain Bruno Fernandes worked hard but struggled. Erik ten Hag’s most obvious mistake was choosing Mason Mount over Scott McTominay or even the more conservative Christian Eriksen. Mount struggled on his debut and never really contributed in either an attacking or defensive sense.
He is very likely to improve but a more solid midfield player was required here. The Dutch manager underestimated Wolves and took an approach that was too focused on their attacking third of the pitch.
Alejandro Garnacho Fails to Impress United Fans
19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho’s inclusion in the starting eleven may have surprised some, but the winger impressed last season by coming off the bench to register four goals and four assists in all competitions.
On this occasion sadly, it just did not work out for Garnacho. He came up against an inspired Nelson Semedo and the link-up play with Rashford was disappointing. Some fans on social media seemed convinced he was not ready to start matches yet for the club and would be better used as an impact sub.
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Despite an incredibly poor performance, fans will be glad that United picked up three points regardless. Tactically the midfield could have been set up much more effectively and a response from the manager could have come sooner. Although Casemiro struggled, he was not given sufficient support by his teammates and will still be the first choice in the midfield moving forward.
Garnacho on the other hand, must make more of any starting opportunities as Marcus Rashford and Anthony will presumably be the regulars out wide once new-signing Rasmus Hojlund is fit.
Main Image credit: Craig Brown on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
