Abhranil Roy
It was supposed to be an exhilarating top of the table clash, but it turned out to be a rather dull game, especially on United’s part as the Devils drew 1-1 away to the Foxes. Here are 3 things we learnt from the game at King Power Stadium:
1. United need a fast, mobile midfielder.
Van Gaal’s philosophy requires a versatile, multi-dimensional midfielder who is capable of transforming defence into attack with one pass, or linking the centre backs with the centre forwards when the team requires to keep possession, someone is the mould of a Paul Pogba or Pjanic. The Dutchman must address this issue as early as possible since there is no one in the team at the moment who can capably orchestrate the team and keep the ball without slowing down the tempo.
2. The “philosophy” isn’t clicking
Leicester City had no intention of coming out to play and were going to rely on the quick breakaway which is how they scored. Defensively, Chris Smalling is most definitely the best in the league and he was excellent once again. The rest of the defence and De Gea were decent apart from Ashley Young on the goal. Midfield was for the most part dominated by us but Carrick seems to give the ball away far more these days. We also thought that Mata would have been much better off in his favourite position, but he and Martial were the only two people who seemed eager to take a chance. The “philosophy” isn’t coming through on the pitch as it is demanded by the fans, and van Gaal doesn’t have long to make it work.
3. Jamie Vardy is an inspiration
Jamie Vardy scored in 11 successive league games this season in the Premier League, the highest ever. He is exactly the kind of forward United could do with at the moment, fast, hardworking, direct and above all, a top notch finisher. Will he continue this insane streak of his? Will the Red Devils lap him up, come the winter window? Let’s wait and watch!
