Manchester United scripted a very satisfying 3-1 win over Championship side Derby County in the 4th round of the FA Cup in the iPro Stadium. Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata were all on target as the Red Devils put in an impressive shift, although Derby themselves weren’t very impressive and showed why they have been suffering in their league of late. However, that is not to demean the achievements of Louis van Gaal and his men, for whom it was a test of character after losing to Southampton at Old Trafford last week. Here are 3 things we learnt from the game:
1. United’s Youngsters Continue to Impress
United Academy players featured on the team last night, and both of them impressed. While Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was excellent at left back, as he provided brilliant overlaps while attacking and was sound defensively, neutralising the likes of Blackman, Derby’s right winger. Jesse Lingard continued making good runs when United got the ball. The other 2 youngsters, Anthony Martial and Guillermo Varela were excellent as well, with Martial particularly excelling out wide on the left. To his credit, he took the mickey out of Derby’s defenders again and again and set up the goals for Rooney and Mata. Although Varela was caught out defensively, yet he managed to cover up for his mistakes with his pace and composure. Overall, it was great to see the youngsters doing so well.
2. Is the Old Rooney back?
Wayne Rooney scored a sensational goal last night, as he received the ball out wide on the left, cut in and curled one at the far post. It was a reminiscent of the Rooney of old, lethal and brilliant. He saw a lot of the ball throughout the game and even dropped deep at times to offer more passing options and precise diagonals. Right now, he is just 8 goals shy of breaking Sir Bobby’s record, and for all intents and purposes, it seems he might do so in a few months now.
3. Central Midfield continues to be a headache
Morgan Schneiderlin was one of the Premier League’s best midfielders when he was at Southampton, however, at United, he is yet to reproduce that form. Yesterday, we conceded because of his inability to track back. He also had a poor game overall as he gave away the ball several times. It was not until the 34-year-old Michael Carrick, who has just returned from injury replaced him that the central midfield looked composes and solid. With both Fellaini and Schweinsteiger unable to deliver regularly, a quality midfielder is required immediately.
