1. These post-match articles have become really difficult. I am generally a very positive person but it’s hard to find any positives from this match, from a United perspective. I got a lot of stick from fellow supporters after the article post-Liverpool match at the weekend, because I highlighted a will to battle it out by our players. That performance was much better than today’s however, considering the opponent and that we were playing at home against Burnley. Despite all the possession, we were rarely dangerous against a resolute Burnley defence. The chances wasted by Mata and Martial in the first half before Burnley’s goal proved costly. After that, we huffed and puffed and never tested their keeper properly.
2. Rashford’s injury – unless United buy a player or two during the January transfer window – is going to prove detrimental to our chances of making the top four. Ole’s selection did not help at all. When you lose your top scorer and best player this season, you don’t replace him by playing Mata and Pereira. I would have played none of them, certainly not both. Between them, they have scored two or three goals this season in the League, so clearly not the answer to fill the gap of Rashford’s goals. The only player who could step up to the plate is Greenwood and yet he was left on the bench. Ole introduced him in the second half when we were already trailing and with the Burnley players putting nine players behind the ball. Shocking decision by the manager and we paid for it with the three points.
3. Despite being a mid-week match, it is not usual for United to have less than 75,000 spectators for any league match. The attendance today was just over 73,000, a lack of spectators which would have costed the Club around £100,000. I wonder how long will it take the hierarchy at United to figure out that if the team does not perform on the pitch, despite United’s pull all over the world, the club is going to suffer also financially. Without proper investment in the team, United will continue to struggle and we risk becoming another Liverpool of the last 30 years, winning a trophy every 10 years or so. Rightfully, United fans demand action. Mr Woodward, can you smell the coffee?
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Article contributed by Contributor Roderick. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.
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