Where do I even begin from? How did we not win against Newcastle? How come we didn't end this game 3 or 4 up? These questions lingered in my mind after full time even unto now. By virtue of the chances created, we should have scored at least once. We created 15 chances in this game which was 3 than the chances we created in the first two matches of the premier league season but somewhat somehow we failed to put the ball at the back of the net legally. We have scored just two goals from a total of 27 chances. What does this say of our attackers? Do we need a need a new number 9? Do we create enough chances for our strikers to finish off? Why does last season's best scoring midfielder, Herrera, struggle to get a game when we lack goals? How come our most creative player, Mata, plays on the wings?
Again, like in our first two games, we dominated possession albeit this time we moved the better a little more quicker and with purpose especially in the first 20 minutes. For the first 20 minutes, we were excellent, playing exquisite little triangles all over the pitch, before releasing players like Memphis Depay and Adnan Januzaj into space. However, the final ball was often poor much to the frustrations of Rooney, his supporting cast and the fans. Right now, Rooney just doesn't look fully connected with Januzaj or Depay. At that point, we could have been at least 3-0 up with a bit more composure from our attackers. Not to single anyone out but Memphis particularly had a very poor game.
From the last two games, it could be seen that Januzaj likes moving to the wings where he gets lots of space to use his pace and trickery to outwit defenders. Mata, on the other hand likes drifting inwards to create scoring opportunities. Mind you, although Mata created 4 chances, he left Darmian hopeless exposed to the runs of Haidara and Perez. So what stops Van Gaal from switching the roles of these two players? Is this perception that United's best attackers are only ever allowed to truly create in minimized bursts true?
The defence and midfield were generally solid. Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger (later Carrick) marshaled the midfield well breaking most of the Newcastle counter attacks. Chris Smalling, Blind, Darmian and Luke Shaw were all impressive dealing with most of the attacks that by-passed the midfield. Blind especially has over-performed giving the conception before the start of the season that he could be our weakest link in defence. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been crucial. Rojo would have to work very hard to get his position back.
To sum up everything, it seems we are a striker away from being a very strong team. Rooney doesn't quite cut it as the top marksman anymore. Hernandez in 24 minutes showed us what was lacking in Rooney's game. The ability to press defenders, avoiding dropping too deep and creating something out of nothing. It was a shame that the Mexican international missed that glorious chance that he worked hard to create.
Thank you for reading
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