Manchester United’s luck finally ran out as they were beaten by Southampton 1-0 on Sunday night at Old Trafford. It also brings an end to a 11 match unbeaten run for the Reds in all competition. Roanald Koeman’s side enacted the perfect revenge on Reds for their defeat at St Mary’s. Let us look at the three talking points of the match:
United need to play with higer tempo
When United started with Van Persie, Rooney, Di Maria and Mata in the same team, many expected fireworks on the field. But, the Reds never got going in the match despite having all the possession. United played like 11 individual players put together on the same field. The Reds failed to hit a single shot on target throughout, which speaks volume of their football on the night.
One of the main reasons for the poor play was the tempo at which the Reds where playing in the match. The tempo was so slow that the Reds were at times walking with the ball. Also most of their play was in front of Southampton defenders, hence the Saints comfortably kept United at bay. United tempo was not quick enough to get players like Di Maria or Van Persie behind Southampton defenders.
Back three is not working for the Reds
Throughout the season the Reds have struggled when playing with a back three. Despite all the alarm bells, Van Gaal for some reason has stuck with the same formation. Thus far united have won just the two times while playing with a back three. The match against Southampton proved yet again why the formation is not working for the Reds.
United never got going in the match with the unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation. Except for Blind at the back, United did not have a proper defender to play the ball from the back. Also the wingbacks are good when going forward rather than defending. Besides, United are missing the width on the pitch due to the lack of wingers on the pitch. It’s time for Van Gaal to give up on the 3-5-2 formation.
Van Gaal now has more options at his disposal
Louis Van Gaal endured a miserable time on the injuries front in the first half of the season. At times the Reds had more players injured than the points they had on table. But, things look to have changed now, as most of the injured players have returned.
Now Van Gaal only has Ashley Young out injured. Apart from him, more or less everyone is available for the Dutch manager for selection. Hence, this provides a different headache for Van Gaal. Now the question is how he will fit all the stars in the same team?
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