Yet another home game, yet another draw. Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once used to be ever since Sir Alex retired in 2013, and that trend has continued for nearly 3 years now. Manchester United came into this game, an FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham United on the back of two back defeats suffered at the hands of West Bromwich Albion in the league and Liverpool in the Europa League. As such, the fans demanded a proper performance from the players and although they tried their best, yet they could only garner a 1-1 draw which means we will have to play the Hammers again in a week or so time at the Boleyn Ground. Dmitri Payet gave the visitors the lead with a sensational free kick in the 70th minute, although there are severe doubts as to whether he should even have been on the pitch following a blatant dive in the box a few minutes earlier. Luckily for us, Anthony Martial equalised in the 87th minute from a beautiful Ander Herrera cross, which meant a replay would have to be played. Here are 3 things we learnt from the game:
1.Our fullbacks are vital to our attacking game
It seems awkward to say this, but United’s fullbacks currently provide more attacking threat than our central players. Varela and Marcos Rojo were both good and took up attacking positions several time with Varela particularly impressing down the right wing as he combined brilliantly with Jesse Lingard. Rojo cannot cross the ball properly although his positioning sense is better than the injured Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, yet I would prefer the youngster to start over the Argentinian once he is fit again.
2.Ander Herrera is an enigma
He is good in one game and horrible in the next, that’s what Herrera is. The Spaniard was employed as a no. 10 in the game in the absence of Juan Mata, and he was very good with his runs and passes. In fact, it was his smart run that set up the goal for Martial, and he was also influential in spreading the ball out wide to the fullbacks. I hope he can continue this form against Liverpool in the return leg as well, but I doubt it since he will probably be shifted to central midfield once again.
3.Marcus-Martial looks promising
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are easily two of the best things that has happened to United this season, and the duo continued to show why. The United academy graduate who was played on the right wing repeatedly dropped to get the ball and also got close to scoring once or twice, thanks to his slick turns and clever touches. The former Monaco man got us the equaliser through sheer determination, and it was his 12th goal of the campaign. Although he was ineffective against Liverpool midweek, he showed his worth today as a striker who can drift wide and beat players at will. Here’s looking forward to more from our double M!
