Credit: manchesterunited.com
Manchester United’s three game losing streak finally came to an end, thanks to goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini against Crystal Palace who are no easy opponents when at home at Selhurst Park.
As usual, let’s delve into some of the talking points:
1) Tactics Back on Track?
The game against West Brom was all over the place, but against Crystal Palace the team seemed much more coherent and Blind ensure the midfield was held together with a strong shift in the middle of the park. It wasn’t perfect but it was better at least.
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Rooney was playing as centre-forward, and so was constantly involved in build-up play during the first half before he was injured. This is his best position and where he will stay. The same effect was unfortunately not shared by his replacement, the much maligned Radamel Falcao,
In deeper positions, Louis van Gaal has found a balance. Ashley Young provides the wing play from the left, and Juan Mata gives creativity from the right. Back in the middle, Fellaini’s physicality is a huge asset and is very much capable of going forward while Ander Herrera offers plenty of options for both him and Mata to use. That was seen against Palace, and factor in the eventual return of Carrick and the possible drop of Blind to defence to cover for Luke Shaw and the midfield is even better.
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Then there is a strong defence marshalled from the back by David De Gea, with Antonio Valencia regularly seen in the opponents half of the field making lightning runs from the Manchester United defence through the midfield and providing crosses for people like Fellaini to latch onto.
The signing of Memphis Depay further boosts the side and offers a great alternative for Rooney’s strike partner. Robin van Persie has shown a return to his Arsenal days of injury proneness and Radamel Falcao looks to be out of the door as soon as the season ends. So as long as the tactics aren’t hugely changed, the team is back on track.
2) Poor Luke Shaw
The young defender was forced off AGAIN with injury, and was replaced by Jonny Evans in the first half, being carried off the field on a stretcher. It is a real worry over his fragility and definitely hampers his chances of holding down a first team place. Blind has shown he is quite comfortable playing in that full-back position when Shaw is not fit.
Van Gaal confirms that Luke Shaw has been to hospital, but adds: "I don't think it shall be very bad." #mufc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 9, 2015
Rooney was also taken off, a precaution due to the captain limping around the field at the end of the first half. Radamel Falcao came on in his place but to no real effect (surprise surprise). But the real issue is Luke Shaw. He has so much talent but seriously needs to get some good minutes on the field and off the physio table.
Shaw has only completed 90 minutes in 8 Premier League games this season – not an ideal first season at Manchester United. He has reportedly had between 14 to 24 injuries since 2013 according to various conflicting sources. Whatever the number, it needs to stop. Unfortunately Palace was simply another game he could not finish.
3) King Dave
Undoubtedly Manchester United’s most consistent performer, David De Gea showed again why is rated among the best goalkeepers in the world with another strong showing between the sticks against Palace.
He made two outstanding saves in the second-half to ensure Manchester United took home the three points, including a one-on-one with Glenn Murray much to the home crowds annoyance and constantly being denied.
Thierry Henry said on Sky Sports:
"“He has won so many points for the team and for that particular reason he was my young player of the year… he kept Crystal Palace at bay and how many times have we seen it this season?”"
Admittedly, De Gea was caught off guard from the Jason Puncheon free kick from which Crystal Palace equalised; despite feeling that his defensive wall should have dealt with it. Nevertheless, other than that he had another great game, which furthers speculation about his move to Real Madrid in the summer.
If he does go, he will be missed sorely no matter who is bought in to replace him.