1. United returned to winning ways and they had to if they want to still challenge for a top four place by the end of the season. The performance was also good despite falling behind against the run of play. Despite the exploits of the three strikers, who all put their name on the scoresheet, I would like to single out Pereira for an outstanding performance today. We have noticed in all his performance the impressive work rate that he manages to put in and against Newcastle he also produced some nice touches, linked up play with ease for the strikers ahead of him and topped it up with a few Brazilian-type touches. On this showing, he has given Ole some thinking to do for the next match, now that Pogba is fit again.
2. Ole decided to start Mason Greenwood ahead of Dan James in this game and the youngster did not disappoint. He produced a polished performance and also managed to score with that wonderful shot from outside the penalty area. He was slick in his play and although one could see that he is not the finished article yet, at 18 years of age, Mason will surely have an amazing career in front of him, if he manages to continue to work hard and learn. He certainly has a role model as Manager at United and I’m excited at what he can do for the club in the months and years to come. Competition for places is what will see this young United team take the next leap forward, as individual players will fight for places. In the meantime, keep them coming, Mason.
3. There is no doubt that Wan Bissaka has no parallels in the Premier League from his fellow full-backs, when it comes to defending, particularly in one-on-one situations. His tackling is sometimes incredible and I still have to see an opposing winger get past him on that right flank. My concern was that while he usually manages to find space when going forward, his delivery from crosses had been found lacking during the season. Keeping in mind that the way the game is played these days, the attacking product from full-backs is looked at as important as much as their defending, I was hopeful that the coaches would work on his delivery. If that peach of a cross for United’s third goal scored by Rashford is anything to go about, then maybe the efforts are yielding results. Promising.
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