Manchester united were the winners at the Vitality Stadium. Here are 5things we learnt:-
1) Man United can play direct football.
There have been far too many times this season, where Lukaku has been either left isolated up top , has chosen to drop deep and get the ball OR gone to either wing and tried to supply a ball. The latter being the most successful but with Martial, Rashford and Lingard leading the line- United looked to be direct and these three forwards repeatedly attacked their defenders. The football was more direct along with some unfortunate poorly timed runs and loss of possession. Both of which can be due to the rust on some of these players.
2) United have tremendously improved defensively.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling make a decent partnership and they made it clear. Jones made some crucial blocks and tracked Wilson, keeping up with the pacey forward. Darmian gave us a more defensive approach while Luke Shaw was a more offensive full back. Mourinho has already claimed that Valencia, Matic and Lukaku will face Spurs for the FA cup semi-final.
Could Luke Shaw have done enough to get a place? Or was this an audition for his sale.
Time will tell.
3) VAR is needed.
After missing out on a penalty against West Brom- this time it was United's turn to escape. Luke Shaw wrestled Callum Wilson- pulling him away from levelling the scores. The referee didnt have a clear view and for some reason nor did the linesman. A clear penalty which VAR would have definitely given.
4) Pogba has his highs and lows.
At times- poor in posession, guilty of misplaced passes and showboating and at times being anchor of the team. His great run and perfect pass was an excellent example of his talents and of him being close to his best. He has his glimpses and at times is simply unseen. Its impossible to not talk about Paul Pogba.
5) United have a selection dilemma.
After letting the world know that the Bournemouth game is an audition for the semi-finals. Mourinho saw several player perform and now has to decide who to play against spurs. The selected 11 played with passion and showed moments of brilliance with their simple one touch passing and great drive to take on defenders.
United need a perfect mix of passion and pragmatism. Passion to win not just the derbies and against the rivals but also against other teams. Mourinho has the pragmatism- he needs to find the passion.
BONUS : 6)Blind needs to work on his shooting.
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