Pravir Singh
Anthony Martial needs to get on the ball more
Playing out on the right tonight; Martial was not involved in the game much. Every time he did get on the ball, he caused a lot of problems for Dummet. He looked to drive at the defence and take them on. You need your best players on the ball as much as possible and Martial has definitely been one of United’s best players so far this season. His best position is playing through the middle though playing out right helps accommodate both Rooney and Herrera.
Playing with two out and out wide players helps
United have been unable to break down defences so far this season which means they are forced out wide. But with Mata always cutting in from the right, they have no width. Playing Lingard and Martial out wide, they had two players who played as wingers, taking on players along the touchline. It made United’s attack a lot more fluid and also gives them added speed which they so desperately need.
You give Rooney the service and he will perform
Wayne Rooney has not had the best of seasons, but his teammates haven’t helped him either. He’s been getting no service and he has to come too deep to receive the ball. His movement off the ball is always so good but his teammates fail to play the ball through. Last night, things were different. Herrera was playing the ball through as Rooney ran in behind. He also needs support and that’s exactly what he got from his fellow three attacking players. We saw that for Lingard’s goal. The ball was threaded through beautifully by Herrera and Rooney held up the ball brilliantly before cleverly setting up Jesse Lingard.
