Man United continued their winning run, beating Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium last night. But what did we learn from the game?
Credit where it’s due, Erik ten Hag is doing great stuff with this squad. After losing their first two matches in diabolical fashion, the Old Trafford club have bounced back brilliantly.
United have won three on the spin for the first time since last December, with the Red Devils certainly rediscovering the confidence within that dressing room. No doubt the new signings are a big part of that.
On another day, the 20-time Premier League champions would have won this one comfortably. But in the end, they had to settle for the 1-0. I guess three points is three points, right?
Anyway, what did we learn?
Consistency is key with the back four
I just don’t see how Harry Maguire gets back into this side anytime soon. Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Tyrell Malacia are playing brilliantly as a unit. Three starts together, one goal conceded.
The centre-halves are beginning to form that bond, while the full-backs seem to be improving with each passing game. Dalot was brilliant in the last couple, while Malacia absolutely offers positivity on both sides of the ball.
Bruno Fernandes remains so important
I know the Portugal international often blows hot and cold. That’s just the nature of his game. However, every chance created by United players had Bruno Fernandes at the heart of it.
He pulled the strings from the #10 role, constantly giving the Leicester City defenders problems to try and solve. He’s wearing that captain’s armband with real pride. Honestly, I’d be very tempted to give it him permanently…
Marcus Rashford’s form is worrying
So I know he picked up an assist with a lovely pass. But aside from that, he struggled. The ball was bouncing off him. Often the wrong decision was made. He needed to be stronger when holding up the ball.
It’s blatantly clear that Rashford is better as a winger than a central striker. The sooner Anthony Martial returns, the better it’ll be for all involved.
Cristiano Ronaldo can still offer something
I’d be willing to bet good money that if Ronaldo was offered the start last night, United would have been out of sight on the hour mark. The chances the Red Devils were creating would have been gobbled up by the Portuguese.
There’s no doubt that the striker isn’t as well-suited to this style as Rashford, though in games where teams sit back, it makes sense to get Ronaldo involved. He’d be that fox in the box that can tuck home those easier opportunies.
Ten Hag is building something
You can see that these players are loving working for the Dutchman. Ever since the Brentford game, when Ten Hag made his players run 13km (and he joined in, by the way!), the players have fully bought into what the gaffer wants to achieve.
Work ethic, elite mentality, putting your body on the line to win at all costs. This United squad is starting to integrate those positive traits and I’m absolutely loving watching the lads grow as a unit.
Sure, there’s a long way to go. Arsenal will provide a completely different test at the weekend, though I feel confident we can get something out of that game. No doubt Old Trafford will be absolutely rocking.
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