United had lost all three semi-finals they reached last season – including the League Cup against City, in spite of having progressed from eight of nine before that. Yesterday ‘the curse’ struck again notwithstanding that this time there was only one leg and United were playing at Home. City triumphed again thanks to two goals from two unlikely scorers from set pieces. In years gone by the League Cup has acted as a springboard for United to go on and achieve success. This year it was not to be and the dream of a domestic treble has now gone with the wind. United had their fair share of chances but on many occasions lacked the accuracy in that final pass that would have led to a decent goal scoring opportunity.
My United Man of the Match is Harry Maguire. Although he may be faulted in not reacting to stop Stones from scoring, watching the ball and not the player, he barely put a foot wrong in the first-half against the side that wanted to sign him. He showed some excellent defending and provided cover for his fellow defenders. He did not hold back from moving forward to assist in the attack, particularly in the second half.
United next face Watford on Saturday evening in the third round of the FA Cup. This will be another opportunity for the Boss to give fringe players some playing time. Edinson Cavani will be absent again, but will be available for the next (league) game on Tuesday, United playing away to Burnley, seeking that coveted top spot.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.