11 Jan 2017 05:46:16
Early goal yesterday could have really helped the team. Apart from the Mata opportunity on the 2 minute mark, I don't think we started too well. Hull were quick on closing down and that hampered much of our play in the early phase. I thought complacency played a part yesterday. Mkhitaryan phased in and out of the game and much of our better play came from Mata and Mkhi. Pogba looked frustrated yesterday (may be Zlatan not being there to pick up his passes) . Rooney looked good an I was surprised he was taken off. May be he starts again on Sunday. When Carrick doesn't play, it really shows on the performance.
On to Rashford. I am still not convinced he is ready to play through the middle just as yet. His decision making is questionable but that's understandable given his age. He is making the same mistakes that Martial was making towards the end of last season i.e taking on too many players rather than look for a team mate. That's two games within a week that I am pointing out his selfishness. He wants to do it all by himself or so it seems. There was a particular instance yesterday where Fellaini was in the box and one more player coming in but Rash didn't even try for a cross in the box. HE simply kept the ball with him and not to my surprise, lost it.
For now, I would keep him as an impact sub or play him from the wings where he can attack his fullback with pace rather than taking on the entire back line all by himself.
Bring on Liverpool.
11 Jan 2017 09:38:08
I think the main issue why we struggled to get going last night was the slight shift in how we set up.
Pogba was asked to play deeper alongside Herrera in a two man midfield with Mata Rooney and Mkhitaryan playing further forward.
We missed three key elements, one being Carrick as an extra midfielder setting the tempo and releasing Pogba to play further forward with more freedom. Then without Ibrahimovic we didn't have the option to go long, which took a dimension of our play away. The final issue was with Mkhitaryan and Mata in the wider roles both tend to tuck in, which left us without any real width, you could see how Jose had clearly said something about that during half time with Valencia and Darmian both pushing higher in the second half and both playing a key role in our goals.
Hopefully Jose was resting both Ibrahimovic and Carrick for sunday as they are key to our form. Would like to see Martial brought back into the side too, his pace scares teams, he tends to play well against Liverpool and he has played well in his last couple of games.
11 Jan 2017 09:57:46
Well said Shappy. And you can see how Herrera isn't working in the Carrick role when he is asked to do so. I wouldn't have mind if Fellaini would have played there instead, leaving Herrera and Pogba to do the bombing box to box. He did well over the weekend against Reading.
What are your thoughts on Rashford?
11 Jan 2017 12:20:29
Rashfird perhaps need to play out wide and get more game time. His pace is electric and he has an eye for goal, I'd like to see him get a run
11 Jan 2017 12:57:08
I like Rashford, I think he has great potential. He needs games, I think he could benefit from playing some games out wide. But when ever there is a chance he should be playing as our main striker. Ibra is the undisputed first choice but Rashford should be first choice to replace him when he is either suspended, injured or rested.
After that it is down to Rashford to take his chances and force his way into the team as first choice striker.
11 Jan 2017 13:12:49
One of the commentators last night mentioned that sometimes for central defenders, there is nothing you can do when coming up against raw pace and energy. Rashford can provide that in the middle but doesn't have the hold up play that Ibra brings.
I'd love to see them as a two, but the you have to drop Herrera, Carrick or Pogba.
Let rash develop, he's still very young.