The Red Devils produced one of their best performances of the season to trash Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at Old Trafford. Early goals from Maroune Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney sealed the game as a contest. In the second half, it was all about seeing out the game and the Reds did it admirably well. Let us look at the five talking points from the game:
Carrick marks his return with a bang
Its been a while since Michael Carrick started a game for the Red Devils. After a long wait, the Englishman marked his full start with a well taken goal. His name in the starting line-up would have pleased many. And he did not let them down by immediatley providing a great assist for Fellaini’s opener within the opening ten minutes. He carried on that great form to score the second of the night. Carrick also offered great composure to the midfield with his assured passing and his equally impressive defensive duties.
Fellaini’s form is an added bonus for Van Gaal
Maroune Fellaini was at the heart of many things which United did good on the night. After scoring the opener with his left foot, Fellaini remained a constant threat for Spurs defenders. It was also from his rebound shot, Carrick headed home the second of the night. His heading ability is a well known fact, however his surprising but effective off-the-ball movements helped his team in many ways. If he keeps on continuing this form, then Van Gaal can keep playing the same system with Fellaini in the number ten role behind Wayne Rooney.
Rooney is United’s main man
After having an indifferent season so far, Wayne Rooney has taken everyone by storm with his recent performances. One of the main reason is brining Rooney back into his favourite position, up-front. Rooney has been in red hot form by scoring four in his last four matches when he was asked to play up front.
If Van Gaal had played Rooney more in this role instead of using him in midfield from the start of the season, Rooney’s fate and United’s fate would have been different. Because Rooney not alone provides goals he also links up well with his attacking players and closes his opponents really well. Rooney starting up-front is very important in United’s final difficult running.
Good start is half job done
In United ‘s previous two league games, the Reds had to wait deep into the second half to take the lead. In both the matches, Manchester United started slowly, as a result they struggled to break the opponents defence in the opening period. But, on Sunday, United came up one menatlity and that is to have a go at Spurs defenders right from the start. This attacking approach paid huge dividance for Van Gaal, as United were 3-0 up in just 34 minutes. One of the main reason for it is the constant pressure which United players provided on Spurs when they had the ball. If United can keep doing this from the start, then they can take any opponent in a given day.
Premier League debut for young wonder
Manchester United fans would have been pleased to see the young midfielder being finally handed his premier league debut. Andreas Pereira made just the one start for United this season and it was in the humiliating 4-0 defeat against MK Dons last August in the Capital One cup. After which Pereira was not given an opportunity to showcase his talents, despite the youngster regularly coming up with impressive performances in the reserve team. With his contract up in the summer, many feared another young talent may leave the club like Paul Pogba did. But, when Van Gaal gave the youngster a run-out on Sunday, the fans will understand that the midfielder is still in Van Gaal’s thoughts. Hope United pen him down with a new contract.
Image Courtesy: Dailymail and BBC