Monday, January 5, 2015

Yeovil Town 0-2 Manchester United

Well we're through to the fourth round, I suppose at the end of the day that's the main thing. It was another awful performance though, given the opposition, embarrassing even.
He started with a three man back line of Blackett, McNair and Smalling and it was every bit as bad in practice as it looked on paper. We went to a back four in the second half as Shaw and Rafael were replaced, but as they both, apparently suffered injuries, that was probably enforced, rather than tactical. Carrick was rested and replaced by Fletcher who did nothing to dispel the notion that his days in a United shirt are numbered. Who knows, his days as a footballer may be numbered, he looks a million miles away from the player he was pre-injury.
Falcao was partnered by Wilson, both had to live on scraps, but at least Wilson gave a few glimpses of his potential. There was one instance where Falcao, for once, received a reasonable through ball and looked favourite to reach it, but was so easily beaten to the ball by the Yeovil defender, that it took me aback. He can't have been that slow when he was knocking them in for fun at Athletico, that injury must have taken its toll.
Behind them Rooney and Hererra toiled to little effect, Rooney had a poor game, his form has gone backwards in recent weeks. The through ball for Di Maria's clinching second goal was completely out of keeping with the rest of his display. The same could be said for Hererra's opener, it was a hell of a shot, but came from out of nowhere, at the time I couldn't see us ever scoring. Even after he scored he was caught in possession and dispossessed far too easily. I haven't made my mind up on the Basque yet, he has ability, but seems a little lightweight and wants too long on the ball. Of course he probably needs a decent run in the side, but in what position and in front of who?
Not a game to live in the memory, but we're in the hat for the next round and given this is our only realistic chance of silverware, the win was the most important thing. We can't keep playing like this and expect to win anything though, I'm starting to worry about the champions league spot I was taking for granted, to be honest, the away form could come back to pinch us on the bum.

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