The run had to come to an end at some time, I have to admit I didn't think Saturday would be the day it happened. Aston Villa aren't much of a side, and there would seem a lot more to the resignation of Roy Keane than has come out so far. Although on that score, I suppose the players could feel liberated, it's pretty obvious Keano hasn't got the people skills to ever make a success of management or even coaching. Nevertheless, they are the type of team we should be going away to and taking all three points, that's if we want to secure a top four berth, never mind challenge for the title.
Yet again, Van Gaal started with three at the back, and again sacrificed Carrick from the middle of the park to do so. Needless to say it didn't work. We had plenty of the ball, but hardly threatened to do anything with it. Fletcher was given a start due to the absence of Fellaini and the withdrawal of Herrera. I was always a fan of the Scotsman, but I'm afraid it's been obvious for a long time that the illness has had a big effect on him. He's miles away from being of the required standard required to be putting on the red shirt any more. It could be that he just isn't playing enough football, who can say, but he can't expect to get the run of games needed to prove or disprove that theory at United any longer.
Anyhow, Fletcher was just part of the problem. Though I suppose United dominating possession could have been seen as improvement after the last couple of away games, apart from a couple of decent chances United just didn't hurt Villa at the back. It had started out differently as Young, having another good game at left wing back, beat his man, on the outside, no less, put in a super low cross that Van Persie should have done far better with.
And then with almost their first foray into our half Villa were ahead. A free kick from the right eluded Evans and Benteke eventually managed to hit a screamer into the corner of the net. Evans has taken some stick for the goal, I don't particularly blame him for allowing Benteke for getting his shot away, but he should have done far better with his attempted header. He has played poorly all season, pre lay off and post lay off, and for all the criticism of Jones and Smalling, he is the one centre half that has really struggled with the three at the back. He hasn't got age on his side, he has always been a confidence player, but he's at an age where that has to be left behind. Time may be running out for him.
Thankfully Van Gaal dispensed with the three at the back at the beginning of the second half, bringing Blacket on for Fletcher, moving Carrick into midfield and reverting to a back four. The difference was immediate as United started to look threatening, as well as dominating the ball. The goal took it's time in coming, but when it did, you had the feeling it was only a matter of time before a second arrived. But then Van Gaal changed it again, hooking Van Persie and bringing on Di Maria, it didn't work. Later Wilson was brought on for Valencia, and it's fair to say that didn't really work either. In fact after the substitutions it was Villa amazingly who came closest to regaining the lead.
The equaliser was a fine goal, Young again beating his man on the left and whipping in a fine cross, which Falcao nodded home with a fine header. It was hard to judge the Columbian's performance as he hardly had any service. But I have to say I don't really get some reds adulation of him, he's not looked anything like the player he was at Athletico whilst he's been at the club. It's hard to shake the suspicion, that he's come back to soon from that knee operation and will never be that player again. For myself, I would sooner see Wilson starting, he's hopefully the future, whereas it's hard to envision Falcao being here at the start of next season.
It's hard to complain at the dropped points after the luck we have the luck we have enjoyed recently, we couldn't keep on scraping results from nowhere. Hopefully the players will now drop all talk of a title challenge and try and concentrate on actually putting in some proper performance's, I'm not holding my breath.
Yet again, Van Gaal started with three at the back, and again sacrificed Carrick from the middle of the park to do so. Needless to say it didn't work. We had plenty of the ball, but hardly threatened to do anything with it. Fletcher was given a start due to the absence of Fellaini and the withdrawal of Herrera. I was always a fan of the Scotsman, but I'm afraid it's been obvious for a long time that the illness has had a big effect on him. He's miles away from being of the required standard required to be putting on the red shirt any more. It could be that he just isn't playing enough football, who can say, but he can't expect to get the run of games needed to prove or disprove that theory at United any longer.
Anyhow, Fletcher was just part of the problem. Though I suppose United dominating possession could have been seen as improvement after the last couple of away games, apart from a couple of decent chances United just didn't hurt Villa at the back. It had started out differently as Young, having another good game at left wing back, beat his man, on the outside, no less, put in a super low cross that Van Persie should have done far better with.
And then with almost their first foray into our half Villa were ahead. A free kick from the right eluded Evans and Benteke eventually managed to hit a screamer into the corner of the net. Evans has taken some stick for the goal, I don't particularly blame him for allowing Benteke for getting his shot away, but he should have done far better with his attempted header. He has played poorly all season, pre lay off and post lay off, and for all the criticism of Jones and Smalling, he is the one centre half that has really struggled with the three at the back. He hasn't got age on his side, he has always been a confidence player, but he's at an age where that has to be left behind. Time may be running out for him.
Thankfully Van Gaal dispensed with the three at the back at the beginning of the second half, bringing Blacket on for Fletcher, moving Carrick into midfield and reverting to a back four. The difference was immediate as United started to look threatening, as well as dominating the ball. The goal took it's time in coming, but when it did, you had the feeling it was only a matter of time before a second arrived. But then Van Gaal changed it again, hooking Van Persie and bringing on Di Maria, it didn't work. Later Wilson was brought on for Valencia, and it's fair to say that didn't really work either. In fact after the substitutions it was Villa amazingly who came closest to regaining the lead.
The equaliser was a fine goal, Young again beating his man on the left and whipping in a fine cross, which Falcao nodded home with a fine header. It was hard to judge the Columbian's performance as he hardly had any service. But I have to say I don't really get some reds adulation of him, he's not looked anything like the player he was at Athletico whilst he's been at the club. It's hard to shake the suspicion, that he's come back to soon from that knee operation and will never be that player again. For myself, I would sooner see Wilson starting, he's hopefully the future, whereas it's hard to envision Falcao being here at the start of next season.
It's hard to complain at the dropped points after the luck we have the luck we have enjoyed recently, we couldn't keep on scraping results from nowhere. Hopefully the players will now drop all talk of a title challenge and try and concentrate on actually putting in some proper performance's, I'm not holding my breath.
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