It was smiles all round for the United faithful following the 3-0 drubbing on Spurs’ account, here is four things we can take from the encounter;
1. Van Gaal can bring out the best in some players
You would expect it to be the more desired Falcao as opposed to the Fellaini factor rekindling United from last season’s struggles but the gaffer has refashioned a player who seemed to be a panic purchase to replicate his days at Everton. Not only did he get on the score sheet this afternoon by latching onto a through ball and timing his run to perfection but centred himself at the heart of almost all of the home side’s sieges of the opposition’s goal. Crosses, shots, you name it. All credit to the midfielder, he’s grabbed his second chance with both hands and has even given Carrick a chance to do the same by persisting with a corner and allowing the latter to head home The Red Devils’ second.
2. You can get something from a game without the long ball
A recent favouring for carelessly lobbed balls has seen The Reds scrap for only a share of the spoils or a late winner in recent weeks but the lads might have finally seen the light. Linked up play and utilizing the wings saw a series of successful passes in order to pick out a teammate, rather than a desperate attempt that one of the forwards can scrap for it, resulted in an invaluable triumph in this ‘rat race.’ The entire team were a prime example of this. An early lead thanks to this style of play gave the squad a confidence to go on and press for the ball from the Spurs backline in their own half where they’d expect little pestering but rather as much time as you like to take a touch. The rewards you can reap are endless, right?
3. Work ethic triumphs over breaking the bank every time
Di Maria was unable to feature today due to a single match suspension but United’s number 9 only played a small part in the closing ten minutes or so. Both have been talk of the town this campaign but surprisingly due to their inability to settle and return to fine form but in their absences, an incredible and spirited effort and insatiable hunger as all eleven combined to keep all three points at Old Trafford prevailed over a good sum spent. I am sure the stats would speak for themselves when you compare when our two significant signings last featured together. (In the first half at least, which leads me to my concluding point…)
4. Don’t ease off the gas pedal no matter the score line
Despite a lesser second half, United remained resolute and you cannot complain. However, perhaps on a different day, another team could have seized upon what could have been an invitation back into the contest gratefully. It is understandable, Louis van Gaal’s men emerged with a clean sheet nonetheless but Tottenham’s pressing in the last 45 minutes could have well earned them a goal, and that is all that was required to be spurred on (no pun intended). I am only nit picking though as you cannot complain about the result but imagine duplicating the first half, a 6-0 win would be twice as satisfying.
Oh, and if you want a fifth, I think we can rest assured that Rooney won’t be affected on or off the pitch by the embarrassment of that knockout incident.
