So Manchester United get a 3-2 win against Southampton. Again! A bad game by United. No denying that. Let us have a look at some finer points of the match:
1) United were second best for good periods of the game: This win shouldn’t make them forget this. Saints were very good today. United showed their pedigree by coming from behind for the millionth time and sneaked an undeserved win.
2) United’s defending was shambolic: It was the case last week as well at home to Fulham. The full backs were awful today. I think we need to fast track Alexander Buttner into the team as Patrice Evra is well past his prime and he was at fault for saints` second goal. He also let in Jason Puncheon for a shot which forced Anders Lindegaard into a fine sae.
Otherwise, at 3-1, it would’ve been a mountain to climb for United. Rafael was at fault for the first goal and he was very lose with his defending. Even the usually solid Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were shaky today. Rickie Lambert was very good today and he gave our defence a torrid time. A few of the other Saints players were also brilliant and they gave a great performance which their fans would be proud of. If they keep on going like this, they really ought to stay up!
3) Robin van Persie carried United: I have been seeing a lot of United are a one- man team trolls on Facebook. Well, he was our carrier today. Paul Scholes’ introduction was a big booster. We needed him so badly. I shudder to think what’ll happen next year if such a scenario were to happen. RvP showed why we splashed £23m on him. He has now got 4 goals in 2 starts and looks in ominous form. With Wayne Rooney getting injured, we needed a proven goal machine and RvP is exactly that.
4) Shinji Kagawa needs time: Our Japanese midfielder was quiet today. He tried and had a few moments but on the whole a subdued performance from the little maestro. He will grow in confidence as the season grows. I am sure of that. But he`ll need to pick up pointers from Scholes and will improve, he’s too good not too.
5) Need for midfielders: We need a good deep lying playmaker. Michael Carrick wasnt at his best today. Happens I agree. But we need to have a look at this area and see how we can improve here. Tom Cleverley was awful today. He hasn`t been that effective and needs to work hard at his passing game. He is a good player and could be the new Scholes( a big ask I agree). Also, a CDM is what many fans have been crying for. I hope Darren Fletcher gets fit really soon!
In conclusion, United were really lucky to have won. They need to be more consistent and show the class and stamp of champions which they are synonymous with.
By Yashasvee Prasad @yash647
well as a spurs supporter i am well qualified to comment that man utd did confirm their class and stamp as potential champions as they win despite playing badly in the final seconds, where as Spurs lose despite playing badly in the final seconds. that is the difference between finishing 1st ( or 2nd!) and fourth.
Carrick looked at home in defensive midfield, and Scholes changed the game, and Chicarito looked like he should have started. After Scholes arrived we cut them open, but our fullbacks and keeper continue to leave hope where there should be none. Against better teams we won't get away with being so sloppy at the back.