1. I am always of the opinion that if a player is good enough, it does not matter how old he is. That said, if there needed to be evidence that experience can be critical during a match, then today it was clear. Both Tuanzebe and McTominay put in excellent performances in this game against the Gunners. McTominay scored a fantastic goal and distinguished himself with some surgent runs from midfield. Yet, in a crucial moment of the match, he found himself unmarked in the penalty area but he could not hit the goal with a free header, when arguably it was more difficult to miss than to score. That would have put United 2-0 up with a great chance to obtain the three points. A couple of minutes later, Tuanzebe, who up to that point had annulled Arsenal’s record signing Pepe, decided to play a square ball when under pressure in United’s half, when he could have easily rolled the ball back to a free Maguire, only for Arsenal to gain possession and Aubameyang to find the net, a goal which was validated by VAR. Two moments in the match, two mistakes by youngsters lacking experience in decision making which turned the result against us. They will both learn from those mistakes but in the meantime United continue to lose points.
2. There were six players in the first eleven in today’s line up who have come through United’s youth teams. It highlights United’s and the Manager’s policy to rely on homegrown players to build a team that can eventually compete at the highest level. This is clearly positive and a philosophy that true United fans support. The question should be another though. Are all six players worthy of starting for Manchester United? Can they improve enough to take United to the top? Not so sure. I think that Lingard and Pereira are good players but probably you won’t win a league with them in the first eleven. Not sure about Tuanzebe. I need to see more of him at the highest level.
3. United’s difficult run at the moment has undoubtedly placed the Manager’s position under scrutiny. Some fans are losing their patience and hopefully Woodward will not do the same. I believe that Ole can succeed in his role if he is given time to build a team and supported during the next two transfer windows. The trick is to however buy only players who can make a difference in specific positions. Let’s support the gaffer.
Looking forward to hear your thoughts.
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