Di Maria has a lot of work to do.
Angel di Maria cannot take his place in first 11 for granted, especially after a mixed performance. When he has the ball he looks like a man with the plan, but his end product kept letting him down in this game. It is clear that the most expensive British signing has not hit form since his recovery from his latest injury, which was shown in his rather frustrating performance. Last season’s di Maria would score that 32nd minute chance which ended up in the net thanks to the persistence of Falcao, as well as the glorious opportunity to seal the game 5 minutes from full-time, when he magnificently took down the long ball from Rooney, and put it in the row Z of the Stretford End. While picking up the ball in promising positions, his decision making could improve significally, as well as his instinct for team play. He also needs to do more without the ball when United are attacking in terms of running and space opening.
In quite a lot of positions, he chose the difficult option instead of easier ones, but while taking the risk in these kind of games can’t be a bad thing, di Maria’s passes was just too wasteful. His starting position was certainly not helping him, as the impressions are that he should play as far from the opponents goal as possible, making the difference in midfield than in attack, where United already have better and more consistent options. Januzaj’s second half performance should remind di Maria of the role he had in Real Madrid, where he performed flawlessly.
The team play needs to be brought to perfection.
United’s play without the ball is still static and lacks flow. While that was the most obvious problem of the 3-5-2 formation, the 4-4-2 diamond gave more in this aspect. But still the midfielders are not quick enough in helping their centre backs, whilst the positions of the two full-backs were too attack-minded from the start. The problems are usually apparent whether United have the ball or not, but they were hidden for majority of the game against Leicester where the Foxes didn’t execute quality pressing to United’s back line. That allowed more time on the ball and it proved that United doesn’t need 3-5-2 formation to keep control and possession. Defensive solidity and quality defensive shape through the first 70 minutes was the major positive, but the complacency in the last 20 minutes cost de Gea a clean sheet.
Valencia proved he can play in the right back position, winning the exhausting duels with Jeffrey Schlupp, which is very encouraging. 4-4-2 diamond passed the test with solid B+ where transition from attack to defence were spot on in my opinion, and as things stand, it is the right way to continue.
Wayne Rooney must play up top.
Rooney is not ready to play in midfield as things stand, even against lesser sides. The experiment where all the best attackers Rooney, Falcao and van Persie play needs more sample data, but it seems Rooney doesn’t really want to play on the side of the diamond. His first half performance was below average, where he didn’t react well with little time and space on the ball, regularly giving it away. His passing and positioning improved as the game went on, his defensive play was very good but he needs to do more in attacking sense, which it pretty contradictory. Wayne is the victim of his own versatility which keeps him in the team, but in the long-term, more mainstream options (Herrera) are needed in midfield which means one of the current strikers, Falcao or van Persie must drop to the bench.
Blind can replace Carrick
Daley Blind was my man of the match against Leicester, with his positioning and passing perfect. He demonstrated a masterclass in the “Pirlo role”, offered a stamina-full presence and shown the footballing intelligence with his immaculate anticipation and intercepting. His non-stop ticking ended up in winning the ball in 27th minute and beautifully passing to van Persie for the first goal of the game. However, the most pleasing moment for me, was his touch in the box after Rooney’s whipped corner which resulted in Morgan’s mistake and United causing going in at the half time break. Considering Carrick’s shy return in goals and assists, Daley Blind gave the indication he can be a long term replacement or even an upgrade for recently injured Michael Carrick. Van Gaal’s favourite is turning out to be an Old Trafford favourite.
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