Walking Wounded

Posted on by rvanleersum

With mere hours to kick off, United enter their home date with the Hammers with injury concerns growing. Not yet at current Arsenal levels we saw a year ago, United will enter tomorrow’s match without the services of Rooney, Rojo, Jones, and Herrera. The good news is Lingard appears to be ready to join the team after a brief absence; whether or not he makes his way into van Gaal’s starting XI isn’t certain.

Depending on who you ask, Rooney’s injury is of concern. What initially seemed to be minor and precautionary away to Leicester has said to have “gotten worse”. At this point, it is all but assured he’ll not only miss tomorrow’s (today’s) match, but their pivotal away tie to Wolfsburg.

Adding to the issues in the back is Rojo’s injury during training. Having done this myself – which eventually required surgery, a shoulder separation could very well see him miss some time. What’s concerning is I immediately worried it was the same shoulder he separated last season against City… Unfortunately, I was correct. It could be the sign of something nagging and, if so, it will only get worse. I was in the same boat. If it were to progress toward that end, it could spell doom to his season and even threaten to keep him off the starting XI by the time of the 2016/17 season’s opening games.

Given Rooney’s form, he’ll be less missed than the latter when evaluating our options in the back. And that’s not me being a cynic on the Rooney “issue”. It’s just the truth for now. On the other hand, when you go into this season with a real need for a quality centre-half to add depth and a voice to the back line with a need for a full back to play on the right – it’s concerning when you get your fullback and decide an inexperienced Daley Blind will fill the role with an already injured Rojo. Now add Shaw’s injury, Jones and his inevitability to be injured,  with Rojo again… It reeks of crisis in the making. It very well could be that van Gaal lines up with a back four of Darmian, Smalling, McNair, and Blind… With no surprises should Young land at right back.

Simply stated, not good enough if the ultimate goal is to challenge for the League and make noise in Champions League. It’s nice to see their defensive record topping the league; but, the fact is that it’s looked entirely average against the better clubs thus far not suffering from injury issues. City can’t be counted. Arsenal demolished them. Liverpool were in poor form. And their Champions League campaign thus far leaves much to be desired. A loss next week could see them land in Europa.

I’ve said it numerous times and will say it again, United need help in the back and it needs to happen this winter if their position in the table is to be the basis for a run at the title.

This doesn’t imply that nothing is needed up top. They do. I really want to see United acquire a winger with pace who is adept on the right. It’s the missing piece up top. At present, I think United are too predictable in their attack and having options out wide on both sides would open the opposition more for making runs and giving space in the middle to drive forward. At present, they lack that player until Januzaj returns – should he be better suited there. Then I’m reminded his loan to BvB hasn’t been a fairy tale, whatever the motivation there, and he’d have to step it up to be that improvement they need there.

You might be thinking what about Lingard? If you are, and yes he’s played there, he’s naturally better on the left. And I’m not sold on him for right now. He’s made strides, but not the kinds which make him the player United are missing. He’s good enough to push Memphis for starts and friendly competition brings out the best in players when fighting for those minutes… But even that isn’t entirely working.

Then there’s Mata… At times brilliant, at others good enough. I really think he’s lost in van Gaal’s system. He doesn’t fit the bill of the winger van Gaal needs in his set up. He lacks pace to really attack out wide. Mata’s instinct is more about running at the net with poise, seeking opportunities for probing forward passes or short crosses. It plays into the hands of the opposition who prefer to sit back in a compact setup and look for chances to counter United with speed. In any event, I almost wonder if he’d be better suited to the ten spot. But then you have an equally lost Fellaini.

Despite all that, I see United pulling out three points from West Ham. They’re missing some key players in Payet and Sakho, so their attack will find the going tougher – even if against United’s piecemeal back line. Their form of late has dipped, having fallen to 8th on the table without a win in four league matches (0-2-2) and have allowed 21 goals thus far, which is tied with Leicester for most of the top half clubs.

United will undoubtedly control much of the ball and, with West Ham’s depleted attack, should be more willing to push forward to drive home the advantage of possession with attempts on goal. As long as they can play disciplined defensively – specifically maintaining organization when West Ham counters and not giving away free kicks around the goal (where Carroll, for example, can be clinical), there’s no reason to expect anything but a win.

Enjoy the match.

The Story Goes…

Posted on by rvanleersum

The story most read likely will be the record breaking goal in today’s match at King Power Stadium. Having now scored in 11 consecutive matches in the Premier League, Jamie Vardy broke United great Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous mark of ten games against the very club the latter set the mark in. This too against the club which has maintained the best defensive record in the league thus far – a surprising feat if you ask me. But if all that itself isn’t remarkable enough, perhaps even more so is the story of his path to the top flight.

But for me, it isn’t the story of today’s game. The story today is that it’s the same old story at United. As usual, United controlled the ball for much of the game and failed to capitalize on such with things not clicking in the final third. Another usual story is the lack of depth in United’s defensive corps. Despite still having the best defensive record in the league, they were exposed today with several players missing and it cost them a goal. If not for De Gea, it could have cost them the game. With inexperienced options and others playing out of position to cover for those not fit, they displayed a lack of organization on multiple occasions.

The first half was especially frustrating to watch. United weren’t composed and I lost count of the numerous giveaways, be it poor accuracy or forcing a play where safer options otherwise would have sufficed. Time and time again, the build up was laboured by this lack of cohesion and it greatly limited things to a few rare chances to go for goal. It took United until the end of the first half to even test Schmeichel, of which resulted in a Schweinsteiger header to level the match.

Now level, United could take a breather and sort things out with van Gaal. Whatever was said in the locker room seemed to work. Save a few exceptions, United were remarkably better with the ball in the second half and controlled the game almost entirely. This run of play forced Ranieri to sub off Okazaki, Vardy’s partner in crime up top to that point, in the 60th minute without much effect. Leicester dropped back and played quite compact to limit United any space in which to operate in the final third; looking to spring Vardy loose on the counter with quick clearances from goal and the like.

After Rooney was caught offside on a near chance from a corner, he took studs to his lower torso and appeared laboured in his movement afterward. Then the impossible when he was substituted off in favour of Memphis for van Gaal’s only change of the day. It was a move I predicted as I thought Rooney lacked a spark today. Perhaps things are starting to add up mentally? I still feel he’s better suited in a deeper role where Mata did well enough on the day, if not overly influential in the final third.

In any case, Memphis eventually found his legs as United started to find outlets to probe forward off the wing. He would find a great chance to fire home the go-ahead goal and failed to provide himself the touch needed to keep the ball on net. The despair from the coaching staff in their reaction to the missed opportunity wasn’t lost on anyone. And so the game would end as a 1-1 draw and another missed opportunity to collect three points.

Today continued to exemplify two major issues van Gaal has with the team. I continue to believe that their defensive options lack depth and additions will need to be made to not only provide more options, but to improve the quality at centre half.

McNair has a future, but was suspect in his advances forward and still has some polishing to do defensively. Those deficiencies were exposed on a few occasions today. United lack the comfort of their situation to make due if the goal remains the same come May.

Young is like Valencia in that he’s doing an admirable job playing well outside his comfort zone, but against the better clubs (defensively speaking anyway), he’s just not good enough if this team wants to realistically contend for trophies.

Matteo Darmian was particularly poor today and continued his slump in form of late. His passing wasn’t accurate and he was part responsible for the Vardy goal. I almost thought that perhaps he was trying too hard. I got the feeling he’s pushing himself to regain the form that endeared him to fans earlier in the season and it’s affecting his play in the wrong way. It’s too bad his late drive didn’t go in. Not only for the three points, but I think it would have been a huge confidence booster and maybe, just maybe, it would settle him down.

On the other side, United’s second issue is their inability to convert their dominance in possession into opportunities and goals. With the former will come the latter. I think teams have learned to drop back, play compact, and strike back on the counter. United seem lost at times in their attempts to break down the opposition – with passes going the wrong way, starting the build up from scratch, and ultimately resorting to the same couple tricks.

With several options on the left, United really need that potent player to play the right flank to give them the speed and quality they need to widen the pitch. With this, it’ll force opposing teams to concede space to United’s advantage. Who this player will be is anyone’s best guess. The rumour papers and sites will have no shortage of options in which to dream of. All I know is, if the option is there and the price is right, United are more than willing to splash the cash to make a major signing. Or two.

That said, things aren’t all bad. They’re still near the top and well within striking distance. As I previously mentioned, now with a month to go, they need to maintain such until reinforcements can be brought in. It may mean less minutes for some. It may mean none for others. But that’s football in the top flight and United have no shortage of youngsters who can find minutes with the U21’s or on loan, such as Wilson.

Until then, it’ll be a busy month of December.

Yet to Watch, But…

Posted on by rvanleersum

United surely have squandered a chance to clinch a spot in the round of 16 for the Champions League. Going into the day, dependent on the VfL Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow result, they could have even clinched the group. With Wolfsburg winning their earlier match, it propelled them into first and eliminated United’s chance to clinch the group. However, with PSV behind United, a win today over PSV would assure United at least second place and a less than favourable spot in the knockout draw.

Now United face the task of going to Wolfsburg and beating the group leaders at home. No easy task by any stretch and nothing short of a win can assure them of a spot in the knockout phase. With Eindhoven a mere point adrift,  too many scenarios present themselves that would usher United into the ‘glorious’ Europa league. A United draw with a PSV win would send them to Europa. A United loss with a PSV win would send them to Europa. A United loss with a PSV draw would see them to Europa as PSV would hold the tie breaker over United.

Complicating matters further, they host basement dwellers CSKA in a game with the Russian club essentially has nothing to play for but pride. Given it’s a westward and long mid-week trip, don’t be surprised to see them rest starters for their domestic campaign. PSV won’t rest with opportunity beckoning.

Because kickoff was at noon in my part of the world and work dictates I must wait until tonight to take in the game on the PVR, I can’t comment to the events of the match just yet. From what I saw, United enjoyed a good chunk of the possession and out-chanced the Dutch champions; even if their efforts on De Gea weren’t exactly paltry by any metric.

In any event, irrespective of the quality of United’s match, it is a tough position they’ve put themselves in. As mentioned before, possession dominance is a good thing when having the ball means you press your advantage and convert. United again have failed and the convenient blame game, especially to Rooney, can’t be applied. Mutually, van Gaal can’t suggest they were unlucky either. You make your own luck.

It’ll be an interesting match come December 8th. The magnitude of the match may require I fall conveniently ill. I just hope the act doesn’t result in the match making me legitimately ill. Until then…

 

That Was Close

Posted on by rvanleersum

I’m not sure how else to describe it. Watford very easily could have pulled out all three points if they had collectively decided not to shoot directly at De Gea on several of their opportunities to go for goal. They definitely lack finishing and it’s quite telling when examining their goal scoring form – particularly at home. Liken to United’s rough stretch prior, which we all hope is now behind us, they didn’t seem to have this ‘luck’ van Gaal speaks of.

But having said that, they’re not exactly the pushovers you might think and United knew that coming into today. It was important for United to come in confident, but modest. You see, defensively, they’re not terrible by any stretch and it largely explains why they sit in the table where they do. It’s a respectable record for a freshly promoted club, especially when considering some of the clubs they’ve played well against and who they sit ahead of in the table. Cough… Chelsea.

A curious observation when you consider several of the blunders of the back four early in the match. They looked awkward – hardly a Champo side, let alone a Premier League one.

United started Memphis up top with Mata and Lingard on each flank and Herrera in a more central role in the middle. With Martial injured and Rooney ill, United looked to line up more as a 4-3-3 with their top three in a free-flowing formation as it would seem. It appeared to work as their young guns were seemingly tireless in their efforts. Be it in their applied pressure up high in forcing errant passes and giveaways or their fantastic pace, especially on the wings, it was fun to watch. It would not take long for Memphis to break through, connecting on a one-timed volley on a smart through ball from Herrera.

The build up play was strong and United would almost dispossess the Hornets at will. It felt inevitable that their form would see them through to a comfortable, goal laden victory.

Then things changed.

After a bit more of the same with United knocking on the door, Herrera took a knock and immediately required a substitute to come on in his stead in the 25th minute. With much of the U21 team on the bench, van Gaal elected to revisit his layout of last term by bringing in Marcos Rojo as a third centre half and realigned United into a 3-5-2. Blind and Young pushed up into wing back roles and Mata started playing more centrally just ahead of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin.

The move made sense as Watford, outclassed in the midfield by this point, should have found it hard for their two forwards to challenge United’s three centre backs. Problem was, it didn’t exactly go that way. While it would be a full ten minutes into the second half before Watford even tested De Gea, United weren’t nearly as dominant in possession as the game progressed and were seeing fewer (if not quality) chances to increase their advantage. The result was Watford slowly clawed themselves into the match and, in what looked to be an easy victory, grew increasingly tenuous.

Not helping matters was seeing Phil Jones go down and, despite walking off unassisted, one can only imagine he’ll be out for several months given his luck with injuries. While I kid, I also am reminded of my belief that United need a quality centre half to come on in the winter window for these eventualities. McNair isn’t ready for the top competition out there and I remain unconvinced of Blind in that position.

Further to that point, Rojo may have reminded van Gaal of his apparent preference to play Blind ahead of him as a centre half late in the game. Ignoring several Watford attempts on net, some of which forcing smart saves from De Gea, Rojo would concede a spot kick with his efforts in the 86th minute. While it wasn’t the most convincing of penalties I’ve seen and Odion Ighalo was Oscar worthy in his efforts to sell the foul – a foul it was nonetheless. It was a poor decision to play his man so aggressively. You have to know your opponent will look for contact to try and draw the foul whilst inside the 18 at this point of the match a goal down. It’s common sense.

Troy Deeney would step up to the spot and make no mistake in ending United’s run of clean sheets in all competitions. In that moment, he was the hero of Watford.

It was an annoying feeling . Faced the the prospect of earning just a single point after such a favourable start to the match and, despite the difficulties with the new formation and tactics, United still had some genuinely good chances to score. They could have… No… Should have finished this game much earlier.  And so goes the story of the match.

Conceding lit a fire. Their response was perfect and United came out in a manner that mirrored their opening 20 minutes or so. They attacked the ball to win possession, pushed forward, and got bodies toward the goal to meet their crosses. After a Smalling effort was brilliantly saved by Gomes, United’s efforts would be rewarded as Deeney would go from hero to zero.

Schweinsteiger would find himself alone and a ball at his feet as he directed the ball from a tough angle toward the goal. Though it likely never would have gone in sans a sliding Deeney, the result was the ball would dribbling into the goal. United found themselves back up as injury time loomed and it would finish 2-1 for the visitors.

As was apparently present early in the game, United had the ‘luck’ in the end. When the going was good, things appeared to go their way almost in absolute terms. It even drew some boos from the Watford faithful. With the renewed pressure to score, the so-called luck returned.

For discussion’s sake, let’s look at the other side of it. Van Gaal previously spoke of being unlucky when United were mired in their goalless slump.

I never understood it.

For me, there was a misfiring element to those set ups and I spoke extensively of them while questioning van Gaal’s stubborn decision to stick with what didn’t work. Then things got better. Van Gaal moved away from his decisions in set up as he had prior; primarily utilizing Rooney as their nine while pushing Martial out wide. The team began to score, their defensive record remained intact while being more grounded as opposed to simply being ‘good enough’ to see off weaker competition, and we’re seeing more creativity and space to attack with.

In short, the breaks go your way because teams make their own luck. But of course, this is a figure of speech. I don’t think there’s luck in sport. Football is not a game of chance. It only seems so.

But enough about that…

Depending on how the injury bug has affected the club heading to Tuesday’s home date with PSV in the Champions League, it’ll be interesting to see how van Gaal lines up against the Dutch champions. United have an opportunity to clinch a spot in the round of 16 here, if not the group. A win combined with either a CSKA win or draw would guarantee United top spot while a win, irrespective of the Wolfsburg – CSKA result, would clinch at least second in the group. Caution beckons itself though. A Unite loss combined with a Wolfsburg win would see them drop to third in the group and force them to win away at Wolfsburg to avoid a trip to the Europa league.

However it occurs, United should be pleased with their unpleasant victory of sorts. If they can maintain the form that we saw for the first 25 minutes and the last five, United have no reason not to win this match.

You see, anything but a win would be unlucky.

 

 

 

 

And So It Begins…

Posted on by rvanleersum

As promised, we’ll delve into the rumour mill as it begins to take off. But first, we must address the recent and tragic occurrences in Paris. I wrote a small piece for FootieWriter.com. I will post a link once it’s published to the site. In the mean time, my thoughts go out to the victims of the Paris attack and the less covered events in Beirut.

So, what’s “new” in the rumour mill for United?

Well, unsurprisingly, we start with Christiano Ronaldo. No shortage of rumours before and none in sight as we approach this window either. Word is, with Chelsea struggling immensely, Mourinho would be open to cashing in on Eden Hazard if Real were to stump up a massive price for him. If anyone could afford it outside the Premier League, one would be Real. And, as the story goes, they’d be interested in doing so and cashing in on Ronaldo sooner than later to make way for Hazard.

Problem is, age is a number and when another number is being generated in significant quantity, then age becomes irrelevant. I speak, of course, of goals. With eight goals in 11 La Liga matches and another five in four Champions League matches, it’s tough to sell a player of his calibre while he is still arguably the best player on the planet… If not ever. Only Lionel Messi can enter that conversation right now.

The other issue is Real and United’s soured relationship. After the disastrous De gea saga to which either club was at fault in the eyes of the other, coming to terms on a deal for Ronaldo is about as likely as Rotherham being promoted to the top flight come season’s end. The one possibility would be United triggering his buy-out clause. However, when it’s rumoured to be in the atmosphere of fees where it’s safe to say such a sale wouldn’t ever get approved by Woodward, the board, or the Glazers.

Not forgetting Hazard, it begs the question of mutual interest from Real. Quality he may be, thus far he is equally as woeful in his production this term as Chelsea has been in the League. Ironic then that his form dipped so bad after Mourinho claimed he was better than Ronaldo. Comedic.

Southampton are poised to be feeder club once again if the Daily Telegraph are to be believed. United are suggested to be interested in Sadio Mane, as they were in the summer which saw multiple bids rebuffed. Van Gaal remains somewhat open of his desire to land a player able to inject speed and creativity into his attack. With depth plentiful on the left, the right side remains an area for improvement.

Mata has done well enough on the right, but he doesn’t possess the speed van Gaal desires to attack wide from each wing. I would tend to agree as United’s attack, in its struggles, can be quite predictable. Doubling their options wide with the ability to move forward from the middle would impose opposing defenses with more questions than answers. With Valencia down and other options playing out of position, it could be that United would return to the Southampton with renewed interest. With six goals and assists in all competitions thus far, Mane is a young player who ticks the boxes on van Gaal’s wishlist.

The other player of interest is allegedly Graziano Pelle. The 30 year old Italian striker is having a fantastic season for the Saints, bagging nine goals in 17 matches thus far. For me, it’s not even worth discussing. In Mane, there was substance. In Pelle, it’s FIFA 16 managerial work.

United was connected with Matt Ritchie of AFC Bournemouth in a very interesting rumour. The Scott is most adept on the right and if there’s any truth to this, it’s something of an affordable depth player with Valenica going down and requiring surgery to his foot. I struggle to understand this one from my point of view. He isn’t the top end talent United would likely seek to inject pace and creativity in their attack. Ritchie typically plays a deeper role and, even with Carrick likely out for some time, I doubt he finds himself selected very frequently ahead of the likes of Herrera or Schneiderlin on the right holding position. So if he doens’t go up top and is better suited playing a deeper role, I’d be surprised to see this materialize.

The Daily Express ran a story that Robert Lewandowski’s agent “confirmed” interest from the Premier League. That’s some proper investigative journalism right there. And here this author sits, speaking of Lewandowski like his name is click bait while this insight could be used to solve multiple unsolved homicides in London. Sarcasm aside, it should be of little surprise that any team would show an interest in a man who has already scored 19 goals in just 18 matches this year. Not a chance Bayern sells him. Not at that production.

The Daily Express ran a claim that United were ready to swoop in and land Porto’s winger, Yacine Brahimi. At a reported fee of £40M, I thought I must be quite daft to have never heard of him. For such a fee, he must be just lighting it up in Portugal this year. So I checked and was rightfully vindicated in my ignorance when I saw he had but two goals to his name at the time of that rumour. Even better is he plays on the left, where United have no shortage of players such as Memphis, Lingard, or Januzaj (who played on the left when he was seeing time on the pitch under Moyes). Safe to say, United won’t be knocking on their door anytime soon… Especially at that price.

Speaking of Januzaj, it’s being discussed that his loan move to Dortmund is proving not to be as successful as once hoped. With just two assists in all competitions for the now cup-tied player, there has been speculation that he would be recalled from his loan move (he did score a goal in a friendly of sorts). Perhaps now, with Valencia missing, it may expedite that process. It was also thought his loan move there was an audition of sorts, a means in which to prove his purported value to act in part of a deal for someone like Marco Reus (currently injured but expected back soon) or Mkhitaryn.

I have to believe that one or the other is true. If the goal was to send Januzaj out for the sole purpose of getting first team minutes not available at United; then Borussia Dortmund isn’t a team that readily comes to mind. Some have suggested United desired a team that played at a higher level, but it’s not resonating with me as likely. In any case, his lack of starts and appearances aren’t doing him any favours in his development on one hand. Coupled with the lack of production versus reasonable expectations, he’s not doing United any favours on the other hand. We’ll have to wait and see.

Gossip 101

Posted on by rvanleersum

Since it’s now well into November, by now most clubs should have a pretty solid idea of where their strengths and weaknesses lie. This too rings true for their immediate competition. Managers will have begun to weigh up their options for January in terms of adding that piece or two and will have their scouts actively watching their prospective targets while probing their agents for mutual interest. All in a day’s work as they prep for the winter window.

Like United, the contenders will look to add depth in areas of concern or replace someone with a long term injury to maximize results in their drive toward the title. Some, such as your feeder clubs, look to cash in max value for a player in their system who has attracted the interest of the big spenders. Others, irrespective sometimes of the long-term consequences – for whatever reason, see the owner cash in on an offer they can’t refuse. It’s unfortunate, but for some fans, their club is nothing more than a money making mechanism. Winning and profit aren’t always one in the same.

So you’d expect to see a flurry of activity: Countless millions being spent, players on the move, and a media maelstrom of (often) highly inaccurate speculator gibberish. If it makes a modicum of sense, someone will be paid (why?!) to write it. And while all three are true – with the latter ironically being the most accurate of the lot, there’s one problem…

The problem is problems are a plenty.

Because of this, the January window isn’t nearly as busy as the summer one. What are those problems, you ask? Well, after you get past the not-so-trivial matter of completing a transfer, there’s more to it than you might expect. You see, this time of year, managers are highly reluctant to sell even when their clubs’ owners are about the money and not the product on the pitch. In the middle of their campaign, losing a quality player is a difficult proposition. All clubs, regardless of their spending power, prestige, or position in the table will set realistic goals; be it  promotion or, at the other end, avoiding relegation. That’s just smart business.

In the top flights, where you’re most viable to find the talent the big clubs seek to beef up their squad, this is most obvious. When you look at the TV and other sponsorship deals in place for the Premier League as an example, gaining promotion from the Championship or staying above the drop zone means big money. Doing so is greatly complicated when you’re letting go of the quality on your squad that influences the intended positive results.

So you see, when it comes to United and other big spenders looking for those pieces, the only players they’d likely consider buying are the kinds you’d least expect to see any manager allow to leave (willingly). The natural deduction is sales, if they happen, occur at (often) grossly inflated prices. It is the only real incentive when a team can collect over-the-top odds for their man. And even then, it only usually happens if selling club can flip that money into replacements or long term investments inside the same window, which means potentially conquering that same difficult process.

And if that wasn’t enough, there remains the obstacle that the bidding club will even meet the inflated valuation. So assume the circumstances could be found where a club was willing to sell something of United’s desired quality and requirements, deep pockets don’t necessarily translate into a mindset where money is no object. If anything of United’s recent transfer history should resonate, it’s that Ed Woodward is very prudent with United’s deep coffers indeed. It’s that same reason Herrera’s deal was delayed. And so is the reality of the utterly complex process made all the more by circumstance, something I’ve only scratched the surface on in general terms.

So is the January transfer window full of activity or is it quite dull?

On both matters, shades of yes. You’ll see no shortage of loan moves and such in the lower leagues; but the big money, big name moves that we all crave are fewer and farther between than you’ll get in the summer. But fewer and farther between doesn’t mean they don’t occur. Every now and then, you have the recipe for the makings of those block busters we all achieve with surprising ease on FIFA 16. Interestingly, I am of the opinion that the two biggest movers in the January window happen to be Chelsea and United. Be it in or out, they are no strangers to the January window if you look back at some of the bigger moves in its Premier League history.

So if we move past the complexity of the the above and examine the squad at present and that United are open to business, what does United need?

There will be no shortage of rumours linking any number of players all over the map. Big club means large following and extremely deep pockets plus some degree of logic means any player can be “linked”. If your business is based on selling ad space and revenue is generated by hits, it’s shooting fish in a barrel. Conjure up circumstance (my favourite is close friend/family of player leak his desire to move to X club), pick a big name, and list a big money club and you have your “story”. Then apply a purposely misleading header to act mutually as click bait and voila! You’re the king of footy rumour bullocks mountain.

But enough about that. What do you think? Where could United use some help? Who could that help be? Let me know what you think in the comments. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@rvanleersum) where, as the window draws nearer, I’ll start to examine the developing rumours and decipher to the best of my ability if they’re unadulterated crap.

The Baggies in the Bag

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Continuing on then with the backlog of sorts from my week long ISP disaster of sorts: United’s tilt with West Brom. You might think it a cake walk to three points, but I think you’d be wrong. In their last two home matches with the Baggies, United have collected two losses. The truth does hurt.

There’s also the Tony Pulis factor. Agree or disagree, I think he’s a quality manager. He’s been brought into many a club in a precarious position and, with some degree of consistency, has steered his club away from relegation time and time again. He reminds me of my dad when coaching my team as a youth; on the touchline and vocally (to put it mildly) giving constant direction with an ability to whistle at decibels heard miles away.

I particularly enjoyed Pulis’ comments in the pre-match media scrum. He mentioned United and their spending with the suggestion that his club should be of little concern to the likes of United. But, as Pulis too would point out, the Premier League is what it is because hard work and a bit of luck sees, time and time again, lessor clubs causing upsets. On any given day, even the bottom feeders can give the big spenders a run for their money. Remember this when I mention Watford later.

On the flip side, van Gaal is the polar-opposite of Pulis in terms of being active on the touchline. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. Whatever the case, as awkward as it seems, it’s working where it’s important – the table. He sets his plan for the match, makes his selection based on availability, and lets the players see it out. Problem is, I (and many alike) don’t always agree with his selections of late; especially the recent placement on Martial on the left with Rooney up top. Mercifully, that was corrected in their last match with CSKA and would prove to be the starting XI up top with some changes in the midfield (thanks to lingering Schneiderlin illness) for their match with the Baggies.

Opposite of United would see the return of several former United players, with Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher starting for the Baggies and Anders Lindegaard in his familiar position on the bench. Also on the bench was former Red Devil, James Chester, whom you might not remember because he spent his United career on loan or in the reserve squad before moving to Hull City.

The match was pretty much what one would expect. United would come out and utterly dominate possession, flirting with 80% control in the first half at times, while West Brom would see ten men behind the ball without deviation. With Martial up top, Pulis kept his back four honest as they would rarely push much higher than the half line even when the ball was in the final third for the briefest of moments. The added space in the middle made life easier for Rooney who, as seen in the CSKA game, looked better with the ball and played with more confidence despite the stubborn West Brom defence.

United continuously probed the Baggies for opportunities and, on several occasions, fell just shy of finding the needed touch to capitalize. For their part, West Brom didn’t get too many looks and rarely tested United’s stingy back four. Despite owning the best defensive record in the League, I still have my doubts about United in the back. The West Brom corner in 36th minute showed us more of the same. It could be best described as organized chaos.

I still feel they lack depth and Blind, for no lack of effort, isn’t a centre half nor is Young, despite his strong showings thus far, a full back on the opposite wing of his preferred side. It might work for weaker opponents for the time being, but I have reservations that United’s collective options are sufficient to stifle the best attacking clubs in the League and in Europe. PSG tore apart our healthy back line. Arsenal too. City wasn’t healthy and were in poor form. The fluidity and chemistry seen when players play in their suited positions go awry easily for United when the pressure is on without the ball or when the opposition press them up high when united has possession.

Simply put, United won’t always have the luxury of overwhelming possession and stronger clubs will test United more frequently with higher quality players. Lucky for United, they should probably make it to January in the top four thanks to many winnable matches before the competition heats up.

By half time, the affair was decisively one sided. United controlled the ball for 76% of the match and had seven efforts toward net with two forcing a save from Myhill. Despite being goalless, United appeared poised to strike sooner than later with the build up a distinction better than was their inept run of scoreless matches with Rooney up top. The second half was just past ten minutes old when United finally broke through. A poor clearance landed on Lingard’s feet outside the 18 and the young forward placed a beautiful shot, liken more to a solid pass, into the far post just beyond the reach of a helpless Myhill. For Lingard, it was his first Premier League goal with United.

Now a goal down, Pulis adjusted his strategy and began to push his squad forward as they slowly tried to claw back the possession game and fight for opportunities to get balls in dangerous spots. Not long afterwards, appeals for a spot kick fell (rightfully so) on deaf ears and not much later, a Darren Fletcher free kick would just miss the net with De Gea well positioned to cover. After a Lingard miss, West Brom countered strongly and a cross from the right fell to an unmarked Saido Berahino, whose header completely missed the goal. Pulis could only react by walking away in utter confusion, probably knowing their best chance to level the score was now gone.

After a Rojo yellow and Jones already on to replace Young at right back, youth squad call up, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, would get the call to replace Rojo at Left Back and make his first senior squad appearance. While this must have been a fantastic day for the lad, for me – always the realist, it exemplified further United’s terrible lack of depth in the back. A viable stop gap measure no doubt for now, this simply cann’t suffice for the tests on the horizon in the new year with Champions League knock-out matches probable and numerous matches with the League’s top clubs yet to happen.

As the game dwindled down to its final moments, which included a lame attempt by Lingard to draw a foul inside the Baggies’ 18 and Herrera replacing Rooney, Martial would be broken free and hauled down deep in the West Brom 18 for a no doubt spot kick. With the game now in added time, Juan Mata would step up and place the ball straight down the middle and beyond a guessing Myhill for United’s second goal of the match. It was relieving, regardless of the method in which it came, to see a two next to United’s score sheet for a change.

And that’s how it would end, 2-0 in favour of United and a fifth straight clean sheet in all competitions. I know what you’re thinking: Pretty impressive for a back line in need of help.

Yeah, pretty much.

Now it’s time for an international break before United return to action in the League on the road in Watford and, three days following, their home fixture in the Champions League to PSV. A win and some help can see United secure their birth into the round of 16 on that day. But, before we can look ahead to that match, Watford exists as a club which can’t simply be overlooked. To their credit, they’ve been anything but pushovers, especially at Vicarage Road, contrary to my belief they’d struggle to escape the dangers of relegation prior to September. Enjoy the internationals and we’ll update soon with some of the gossip.

Cheers.

Is He Listening? Maybe… Definitely Not Me.

Posted on by rvanleersum

Thanks to some pestering Internet issues with my ISP, these updates have been a long time coming.

First and foremost, a recap for United’s home date with CSKA Moscow as United looked to take the initiative and, with some help from PSV, could go top of the group with a win. PSV would do their part in defeating Wolfsburg, so it was up to United to sort out a run of scoreless draws in all competitions which included a defeat to Boro in the League Cup on penalties.

I would include a brief recap of that match in this, but the game simply wasn’t broadcast in my part of the world and I never saw it. My ability to follow the game was via an app and Twitter updates, periodically no less while working my everyday job. So no recap for that and it may be just as well that I don’t. For those who suffered through that embarrassing clinic in how not to win a penalty shootout, I think I’ll do United fans a service without further reminder.

Hosting CSKA was right to plan – almost entirely. United were in their usual form of controlling the possession and Louis van Gaal appeared to have listened (not likely) to many pundits on his selection, which isn’t to ignore my beliefs regarding Rooney’s use as a ten versus a nine. Contrary to what the broadcast presented before the match, Martial was up top with Rooney slotting behind him in the ten with Mata and Lingard on either flank. Whether he listened or not, it worked for the better and it was different.

What was different, even as the restless pleas from Old Trafford’s faithful for a goal erupted into more chants of, “Attack! Attack! Attack!”, is the means in which United went forward with the lion’s share of the ball. Martial, as I predicted, forced a normally attack-minded CSKA club back as the threat of Martial’s pace kept their back four deeper behind their midfield, who were frequently dropping further back to support the defence. For most of the match, CSKA had ten men behind the ball and stubbornly jammed the final third with little intent to apply pressure up high as they attempted in their home fixture to United. CSKA’s plan was clearly to play for a draw and hope a United mistake could spring their pacey striker, Doumbia.

The popular target for all United’s woes, Rooney, was much better despite an hour’s hard luck in breaking through. I thought he looked much better and more influential in the match. He had more touches, was better with the ball, and his passing was much, much better than prior. Despite the steadfast CSKA defence, Rooney had more space in which to operate thanks to Martial and the threat of crosses from the wing (also benefiting from such) pushing back CSKA’s back four. From the get go, United continuously probed and created chances. Rooney had not been involved more than three minutes into the match before a low drives narrowly missed the goal. And this was a trend to continue to the half. CSKA can feel very fortunate to escape the half level.

The second half saw much the same, only CSKA came out less poised to sit back and decided to be a little more adventurous moving forward. Van Gaal too seemed restless to break the deadlock with the perpetual sequences of near misses. To the shock of Old Trafford, Martial would be replaced by Fellaini at the 66th minute. The fans’ displeasure was not lost on van Gaal and his coaches at their decision to push Rooney up top and have Fellaini play in support immediately behind him.

Shortly thereafter, Rooney took an awkward fall inside the 18 and immediately appealed for a spot kick. I’m usually pretty conservative in my opinion when it comes to calls not given, but in this instance I believe Rooney had reason to appeal. Replays showed clear tugging of his kit. Be it what it may, the decision wasn’t given. Rooney’s hard luck was to continue as minutes later, just mere feet from the goal, Rooney appeared to have a goal at his feet as he seemingly swatted at the ball in a clumsy manner. CSKA’s defenders, in sheer desperation, did well to just tip the ball just enough to eliminate the immediate threat from Rooney. Wazza’s detractors will have to look elsewhere for ammunition.

Now 20 minutes shy of match end, CSKA saw its best chances to score as Young, playing outside his comfort zone at right back, made a terrific sliding challenge to deny an opportunity for goal. Not long after, Doumbia made a break for goal and forced De Gea to come out to challenge. De Gea would get a hand on the ball and deflect it away, seeing Smalling save a goal as the rebound was prevented from finding the back of the net on his sliding effort.

Following this potentially game saving effort, United would finally break through with Memphis now on for Mata. With Lingard now on the right, United countered strongly and a brilliant forward pass from Carrick found a leaping Lingard inside the box. His airborne pass would present itself perfectly for a streaking Rooney, who then coolly headed in United’s first goal in far too long. Save some more chances for United, the game would end 1-0.

Though Rooney was playing up top for his goal, I don’t think it should be lost on those who watched how much better he looked playing a deeper role. I hoped this selection would continue into their weekend fixture with West Brom.

With the win and the aforementioned PSV victory, United find themselves poised to see themselves through into the round of 16 for the Champions League. Their next fixture in that regard sees a home date to PSV, whom beat them in their away tie and saw Shaw break his leg. Despite losing that match, United were the better side in all facets of the game – except, of course, finishing their plentiful chances. I expect United to win and so should you. A win would put them four points clear of PSV, who currently occupy second in the group. Should CSKA hold or beat Wolfsburg in their match, United would be assured a place in the next round irrespective of the final group games.

Crowned

Posted on by rvanleersum

You’ll have to excuse my lame attempt to summarize United’s performance with an inference to Palace’s regal associations, but I suppose it works. What doesn’t seem to work is Louis van Gaal’s selection. Now three games in all competitions without a goal, United’s supporters could be heard giving the boss an instructional serenade of sorts to the tune of, “Attack, attack, attack!”

With some injury concerns heading into the match, van Gaal needed to fill some holes while addressing his attacking formula which, in recent weeks, had struggled immensely. Confusingly, not much changed. Again, Rooney was played up top with Martial now covering for an injured Memphis on the left. Herrera, better suited in a more central role, came up into the ten while Mata continued his duties on the right. With Jones missing action due to “red-zone” fatigue, Daley Blind came back into the XI as a centre-half, where I have been very critical of his performances.

With this suspenseful back line curiously continuing to own the league’s best defensive record with a seventh clean sheet today (I still think it lacks the quality to shut down the top clubs in the League and Europe), the attacking half failed in their efforts miserably. An encore to a game against Boro where it failed to capitalize on its chances saw the response result in even fewer chances with equally woeful finishing.

Much has been made of its most visible and, often vocal, skipper, Wayne Rooney. Seemingly the target of a media borne lynch mob intent on blaming all of United’s offensive woes on him, Rooney wasn’t very influential for large stretches of the game once again. Rooney had a chance for goal off a free kick just outside the Palace 18 which, despite clearing the wall, was routinely saved by Hennessey. I can’t imagine Rooney did himself any favours thanks to a lack of pace on his drive. Further along, Rooney was sent in clear by a probing through ball from Martial which left Rooney just unable to run down the ball before Hennessey sprung to action to come out and eliminate the danger.

Rooney’s struggles again weren’t for a lack of effort. While he’s not blameless for his struggles, people need to understand that he’s being misused. He’s being played out of position for the player type he’s now become. He’s just simply not the player he once was that makes him able to slot in as United’s first choice nine as he was able to in year’s past. To be frank, he has never been a pure nine (Read my article on Rooney’s struggles for FootieWriter here). Today was another reminder of both and it has been echoed in other areas of the team all season.

Van Gaal needs to share the blame. And if I’m asked, much of it.

For me, it comes down to his selections and, previously, formations, as he stubbornly clings to these systems that just aren’t working. It’s confusing as to why he refuses to adapt or make significant alterations to how his XI lines up. If the old adage dictates that, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, then surely something broken must be fixed. Genuinely, I think the easiest means to start generating life into this team is to move Rooney into a deeper lying ten where he can operate from the middle and, by consequence, have Martial in the nine pushing the opponent’s back line further back to create space in which to operate. It was highly successful under the highly unsuccessful Moyes era. What failed Moyes is no longer an issue in absolute terms – Rooney will flourish there.

Toward the end of the game, Rooney dropped back and, while playing more in the middle, he transformed. He was distributing the ball, actively running down Palace players attempting to counter, and pushing forward when the ball got deep. I genuinely, honestly believe with Schweinsteiger still on and Schneiderlin in the middle to shore up the possession prior to Fellaini coming on; United would have been able to retain the ball and provide the service to Martial and co. A blind man could see it. They could have scored. They would have scored.

But alas, I’m not the manager and this isn’t Fifa 16 or FM16 where we can make-believe and simulate reality. The reality is, van Gaal pulls those strings and all I can really do is harp on about it to a small audience.

As for the game itself, United were thoroughly outplayed in the opening ten where a De Gea save tipped a powerful shot by Bolasie off the crossbar. As the half wore on, United found their game and took complete control of possession which resulted very little in the way of chances until the end of the half. Herrera had a goal on his foot after a Martial cross and the Spaniard whiffed on the one-timer, seeing the ball roll out well past the net for a goal kick.

If United planned to continue this trend, it was not to be. Palace came out and outworked United for long stretches of the second half. I thought Schweinsteiger’s missed presence in the middle really influenced the Palace resurgence as Fellaini often drifted high and gave them more space in which to counter in. Otherwise, attempts by van Gaal to make changes and turn United’s fortunes fell flat as Lingard replaced a clever Mata with no effect. At the back, soon to be suspended Darmian was subbed off for Young, who did exceptionally well in his first run at right back. With 20 to play, Palace found their best attempts narrowly missing their mark and De Gea, who looked strong as always, made some excellent saves.

So as the goals continue to evade United, their suspect defense sees them remain fourth. United have a soft schedule in the coming weeks with opportunities to pick up points and close the four point gap shared atop the table by leaders City and the Gunners. Also on tap is a pair of upcoming home fixtures for the Champions League group phase. That said, complacency can’t be the agenda. United need to bounce back and perform better than they have if success in this stretch is to be earned.

United’s next match will be Tuesday to CSKA at Old Trafford. Enjoy the game, everyone.

The Manchester Derby

Posted on by rvanleersum

Well, it wasn’t overly memorable, that’s for sure. The game in its entirely can be mostly summed up with the following:

United would win the ball, build up the attack, lose the ball in the final third (frequently Rooney or Mata), and City would promptly give the ball back to United.

Repeat.

With City’s attack almost non-existent, United should feel it’s a lost three points on the day. Credit to City’s back line where it’s due and, for the most part, Otamendi showed he’s adjusted well to the English game and proving why City were wise to snatch him up in the Summer… And why United were foolish not to.

Up top, the creativity and pace of Silva and, to a lesser extent, Nasri was sorely missed as de Bruyne was uncharacteristically incapable of making a cross or pass while Sterling too failed to impress in the match. It was an expensive £104M on display, proving little to justify their combined fees. Sterling didn’t get a lot of touches whereas de Bruyne, far more comfortable in the middle, seemed lost on the right where he saw much of the ball.

Equally woeful was Wilfried Bony. Rarely did he win any 50/50 balls, assuming his complete lack of pace put himself in a position to even contend for one and was wasteful with what few touches he had. City fans were left reeling in their frustration while Aguero languished on the bench trying to make sense of what he was witnessing.

But, we can’t give City all the credit for beating themselves up top. United’s back four were solid, especially Rojo, who was up to the de Bruyne challenge. For every failed de Bruyne pass or cross, Rojo was there to frustrate the Belgian with just as many solid tackles, takeaways, or presence to force the error. United too controlled the midfield, which should have come as little surprise to many on the day. Schweinsteiger especially was very active in tracking back, where necessary, and progressing the build up.

So why didn’t they win?

Simply, it came down to another lackluster performance in the final third.

Rooney was especially terrible, perhaps playing his worst game of the year. Courtesy of the BBC, Rooney was determined to have had the fewest touches at 50, the worst passing accuracy at an appalling 54.8%, and was responsible for losing the ball 28 times. I lost count myself, but his feel for the ball was atrocious. The frequency in which he struggled to control the ball on first touches was beggar belief. Equally confusing was why van Gaal left him in with Memphis able to step in on the left and push Martial up top in place of the skipper. His struggles all year must be coming to a point where his starting place should no longer be a guarantee, especially as a nine.

United’s best opportunities came with some late changes and a shake up in the final third. Lingard came on for Mata and chipped a through ball over Joe Hart to hit the woodwork. Not long after, Smalling would see a under-powered shot smartly saved by the City keeper. Ultimately, each team would be credited with six shots toward goal with either club only getting on target once each.

So what can be done?

In short… For two months and a bit at least: Nothing.

For now, United will need to work with what they got and it’s not bad by any stretch. There just seems to be two major issues with this club and they rear their ugly head too frequently. The killer instinct to finish in the attack and the lack of depth at centre-half should the injury bug visit

With Herrera looking better suited to play more centrally from the right, it may be time for van Gaal to look for a quality number ten to invigorate the attacking third with pace, creativity, and accurate passing. With Mata on the wing and other options such as Fellaini not fitting the bill or Pereira not being ready, it echoes his sentiment earlier this year while lamenting the failure that was Angel Di Maria. Someone of that quality with the physical stature and plums to exist in the Premier League could garner interest from United.

Conversely, someone of equal stature who can allow Mata to slot into the ten role like Felipe Anderson? For now, there’s still some two months before it’s an option. This also doesn’t forget the Rooney conundrum. Does he take the lead as their ten and allow Martial to play up top? Options are never a bad thing.

Not to be forgotten and as often mentioned, I think United could still do well to add a quality centre-half. While it’s looked good lately, the depth isn’t there and Daley Blind has proven, in my mind, he’s not up to standard. As a left back, I can handle it. As a holding midfielder, no complaints here. But as a centre-half, he’s too risky. Should rumours be true, there’s an option in Aymeric Laporte who had allegedly garnered interest from the likes of Barcelona as well.

With some time before the return leg of the derby at the Etihad, United will have some time, and money, to address this developing trend. City will be stronger, both being at home and probably being healthier.

For their part, United got through a tough stretch undefeated on the back of a rare away win at Everton and two draws. While the next league game at Crystal Palace is anything but a given, United enter a stretch of games into November where wins should be expected otherwise. A League Cup fixture at home to Middlesbrough in three day’s time, both remaining Champions League home fixtures with CSKA and PSV, and dates in the league with Watford, West Brom, and away to Leicester.

It presents United with an opportunity to stay in the mix in the League, shore up a qualification to the round of 16 in Champions League, and remain open to a run in the League Cup without overdoing it before the chaos that is always the December schedule.