1. Today we were not good enough. Period. We have lost games and points during the season but more often than not, I had felt that we should have got more from the particular match. I cannot state the same after watching today’s match against Villa. The team is not functioning properly, as it should, given the quality of players United have. Admittedly, there are certain areas in the team where the level is not up to the United level. Pogba and McTominay in midfield were always going to be a huge miss for this United team and so it proved during the last two matches, also against Sheffield United. Fred has been improving with every match but he was too isolated in midfield.
2. I have said this before and today it has been proven, for those fans who want to see the reality. Williams has potential, loads of it but he is not ready yet. Unfortunately, he was a determining factor today in both of Villa’s goals. His tackle on El Ghazi before the latter crossed for Grealish to score the first goal was unorthodox and erratic to say the least. An experienced head would have delayed the tackle and just shown the flank to the Villa striker. Similarly, he stayed back and played Mings on side for the second goal, while his fellow defenders rushed out of the area. If his name was Smalling or Jones, then he would have been crucified in the social media. The boy has still to learn the ropes and he will get better because of the mistakes made and the playing experience in the team. But at this point, he has to be pulled to the side and given a rest from the first eleven. He will come back stronger later in the season. I trust Ole to do just that.
3. I was shocked to see Mata again in the starting line up today. Shocking decision. Ole should make Mata captain of the team he plays in the Europa League but keep him away from the team he plays in the Premier League. The pace of the Premiership is too much for Mata and again today it was clear that he is not in sync with the rest of the forward line. Maybe Ole thought that he could unlock the Villa defence if they stayed back and defended deep. I hope that the Manager has got his answer. Unfortunately we lost points in the meantime. I still have trust in Ole. He is a good man manager and the right person to bring on the exciting youngsters we have at the academy. Bring on Jose…
Looking forward to receive your thoughts on the Facebook page.
Article contributed by Contributor Roderick. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.
If you would like to contribute, kindly get in touch with us on [email protected].