1. Juan Mata is a vital component of this team.
On the surface it is easy to say things such as “Juan Mata disappears in big games” and maybe, in some he does, but the reality is that when he gets on the ball, things happen. He has a keen eye for a pass and his control of the ball is phenomenal. Many reports recently stating that he could be on his way back to Spain and that he is unhappy, to that I say rubbish! He looks settled and happy at Manchester United although he is in and out of the team which, May affect him, I feel if he wants to force his way into the team full time then he just needs to work hard and produce performances of today’s quality, much like Ander Herrera did this season.
2. Louis Van Gaal was spot on tactically.
Much like last week, the manager deployed a system to compress the space between the Liverpool central pairing of Allen and Henderson. Herrera and Carrick got about and reduced the passing lanes of Liverpool and allowed Mata and Fellaini to get into attacking positions. The tactics in the first half were were both deployed and executed perfectly which led to the first half lead. In the second half our task was made easier when Steven Gerrard made the brainless decision to stamp on Ander Herrera in front of the referee, and paid the price. I feel the players are now clicking with what the managers want and it could not have come at a better time.
3. Carrick is key.
Michael Carrick does the job that is never given the spotlight it deserves. Admittedly it’s not glamorous and can often go unnoticed, but it is a vital part of any top team. When you compile a list of the world’s best players you always overlook that kind of player, the likes of Nemanja Matic, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso and so on. I definitely don’t think that any of those would be selected but they are the players that allow the world’s flair players to have that freedom.
4. The race is on.
Top 4 was the target set at the start of the season, that target is now firmly in our own hands. United are on form are capable of not only cementing that position, but also doing our best to battle for higher. Second place is not set in stone which leaves United in a position to attack it and see what happens. We face some tough fixtures over the last period of games but if we continue to work hard and perform at this level then the last few weeks of this season will be interesting.
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