Manchester United took a trip to Villa Park this afternoon, where a ten-man Aston Villa bravely held onto a well-fought point. The game finished 1-1, after a superb Christian Benteke strike and a second half Radamel Falcao header. Here are 5 things to consider from today’s game:
1. United lacked a driving force in midfield.
United seemed to be lost in the middle of the park today, a place where a strong outfit should be dominating the game. Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini missed the game through injury, and United seemed to leave a huge gap in their absence. Louis van Gaal’s men needed someone to break up play in the midfield, and someone to lay off a simple pass. Players like Herrera and Blind do this excellently, and the Reds noticeably miss their presence. Fletcher started the game today, yet he seemed lost throughout and was one of the worst players on the pitch.
2. United aren’t quite there yet.
After a triumphant, yet not convincing victory against rivals Liverpool last week it all seemed positive for United. However, today’s disappointing result just clarifies that United are some distance away from being a title-winning side. The performance was rather amateurish, and the constant bombardment of crosses towards the end of the game highlighted the panic and struggle to snatch a goal. LvG’s troops dominated the possession at the beginning of the game, but their play became rushed and unnecessarily urgent in the closing stages. This is something they’ll have to look at, as putting games to bed has been a downfall in United’s season thus far.
3. Falcao needs to start.
The Colombian hitman has been given two starts this season under van Gaal, and has scored on both occasions. He produced some intelligent runs today, and seems a fitting partner for Robin van Persie. His goal today was a perfectly controlled header, and he showed signs of what a clinical striker he can be.
4. Evans needs to improve.
Jonny Evans can be a fantastic defender at times, but his recent displays have been worrying and he’s shown signs of nervousness in possession. Last week, he played a terribly underhit ball to David de Gea, which prevented Raheem Sterling with a brilliant opportunity. Today, dare I say again, his performance was frankly not Manchester United standard. The defender lost track of Benteke in the box which resulted in a goal, and always rushes and panics with the ball at his feet. Perhaps Paddy McNair would be a suitable replacement for now, until the impressive Marcos Rojo returns from injury.
5. United have to move on and forget this result.
On Boxing Day, Manchester United face a high-flying Newcastle side at Old Trafford. Despite Newcastle’s scarily remarkable recent form (especially their 2-1 victory over league leaders Chelsea), van Gaal’s United will have several players fully fit to face them. Angel di Maria, who played the remainder of today’s game could start, which is a massive positive for United. This game should now be Louis van Gaal’s only concern, as they come up against a notably imposing opposition.