Rebound: Manchester United 3 - Aston Villa 0 -- Game Recap and Player Ratings

Photo by Sancho McCann on Flickr

Manchester United rebounded from a four game winless streak in the League on Sunday afternoon, emerging from Villa Park with a comfortable 3-0 victory over the home side, the Red Devils first domestic win since November 10th against Arsenal.  Coming on a weekend in which the League leaders Arsenal dropped points against a rampant Manchester City side, the three points will go a long way toward putting some salve on a number of the self-inflicted wounds the side has suffered in recent weeks.  Danny Welbeck, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney competed for Man of the Match honors, with the homegrown Mancunian forward just nipping his fellow stars to the favored status, the reward for two early first half goals which made the game look comfortably in the bag before the interval.

 

Although United looked more free-flowing at times today, the perfunctory performance will do little to strike fear in the hearts of the teams' competitors, and much more of the same will be required before the team can put its rocky recent past behind it.  Herewith, the individual payer ratings in a game that must have calmed some jumpy nerves for the visitors:  

 

 

De Gea: Was tested early by the home side but proved more than up to the task. Finally, a clean sheet. 7.5

Rafael: The Brazilian is capable of crossing the ball as well as anyone on the team.  His best effort in quite some time. 8.0

Evans: Pumped some long balls forward and looked comfortable at the back. 7.5

Jones: Stalwart in the middle of defense. 7.5

Evra: Still looks a bit suspect. 6.0

Valencia: Clearly an important part of the afternoon's game plan and was on target with a cross that led to the away side's second goal of the afternoon. Had a stormer from the right. 8.5

Giggs: Creative force in the middle of the park, waned as the game drew on. 6.5

Cleverley: Key interception began the counterattack that led to a two goal lead. And finally a goal for the Red Devils' third of the afternoon. Much better effort than "average" on both sides of the ball. 7.5

Hope

Photo by Pol Sifter

As a long-time Spurs fan, one thing Ed has in abundance is hope:

At the end of the day, neither Spurs nor Chelsea should be happy about their 1 - 1 draw this past weekend. Spurs shouldn't be pleased because they missed several other good opportunities to win, including Gylfi Sigurdsson's close call near the end of the game. But more importantly, Spurs looked very second-tier in the second half and were happy just to hang on. As I said prior, this game was big for Spurs because they needed to show they could beat teams like Chelsea, not merely pull out a draw at home. They must somehow aim and reach higher or I fear even fourth place all be tougher to land than might seem the case right now.

As for Chelsea, they allowed themselves to be dominated for a half of the game by a side that should be substantially below them. Sure, they pulled out a draw and looked the better team in the second half, but if they were that much better why should they be satisfied with a draw?  If Chelsea are intent on winning the league -- which they are -- a draw at Spurs just shouldn't be enough.

By the way, it was me (and AVB) who questioned Gylfi's spot in the lineup. The last few weeks he has showed me to be completely wrong and has been a creative and goalscoring force from the left. Moussa Dembele also looked the part against Chelsea beating no less than 8 players off the dribble. Paulinho, however, looked less than impressive. Similarly Roberto Soldado, who just hasn't shown much of anything since joining Spurs. We can only hope he improves as Spurs need a finisher who, well, finishes!

# # #

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were fun to watch this weekend with their quick but purposeful play. Sturridge has always had the athletic ability, but now he seems very sure of himself. This confident keeps him from rush decisions, and as of now he always looks to have time on the ball. Suarez has picked up his jail break frantic style. He's an impossible player to like, but he is definitely dangerous.

Perhaps most interesting about Liverpool is that they don't even try to play the tiki-taka style that Rodgers used at Swansea. With Steven Gerrard as a holder that's frankly impossible. Stevie G is the kind of the long cross field one touch pass. He's not going to keep swiveling and moving it backwards and sideways. But Kudo's to Rodgers in not forcing something that isn't there. The tiki-taka style is more than half personnel; Liverpool don't have those kind of players, but the kind they do have are pretty good.

# # #

Last year as Manchester United ran the table we used to joke that they were a mid-table team without Van Persie. Well, Van Persie has cooled and, predictably, gotten injured, and United looks very much the mid-table team. David Moyes was criticized on this site for stating that they don't have enough top-tier players to win the Champions League. I suspect the Special One wouldn't be criticized for saying the same thing. Plus, Moyes is right. The mystery at United isn't so much why they fell to 12th place as it is why so many formerly elite players look so mediocre these days. What exactly happened to Nani and Antonio Valencia? Even Ashley Young looks bad these days. In fact, only Wayne Rooney and RVP appear to be top tier talent. That should be enough to win a lot of games in the BPL -- presuming RVP isn't hurt -- but won't be enough to win in Europe.

One Word Speed Round on Manchester United 3 - Aston Villa 2

photo by Velo Steve	via PhotoRee

Downer: It's a trusim that you generally play to the level of your competition. And when you play Aston Villa, that's not very high.

Slowpoke: It's hard to break down a team that plays 11 behind the ball, especially when they defend as well as Villa did on the outside wings, denying cross after cross and largely negating an ineffective Ashley Young and a double teamed Antonio Valencia throughout the first half.

Determination: Christian Benteke steamrolled Chris Smalling for the first Villa goal, and Andreas Weiman smashed two past David De Gea to let the Reds know they were in for something serious at Villa Park on Saturday.  Paul Lambet had his young team well motivated and determined.

Awry: Paul Scholes offered up several dramatic give aways, the second of which indirectly led to the Villans' second goal of the afternoon? What are the odds on that?

Lifeline: Chicharito's third of the season offered the Reds a way back into the match. The Little Pea is coming up big this season, and his speed has the ability to completely unnerve opposition defenses.

Lifeline, Part II: Chicharito redux. He's not bad with his feet, either.

Spaniard: Big Dave's point reflexive denial of Weimann's hat trick was a turning point in the contest. Ten minutes afterward, and Weimann was still seen rubbing his hands through his hair wondering what happened....

Being: Red Carded -- Manchester United 2 - Liverpool 1

photo by Môsieur J. [version 3.0b]	via PhotoRee

Q. Did Manchester United's starting lineup meet the pre-game predictions for this most important of games?

A. Not by a long shot. We don't believe there were too many people who would've predicted a start and the team's Captaincy for Ryan Giggs, Jonny Evans filling in for Nemanja Vidic, and Anders Lindegaard being preferred to David De Gea -- again. But Sir Alex apparently did, and that's all that mattered.

Q. Who was most impressive for United in the early going?

A. The away fans, who were in fine voice. Unfortunately, they were much sharper than the away team, who offered up repeated opportunities to the home side, giving them way too much space and time on the ball.

Q. Was that the United game plan?

A. We hope not, although it was difficult to determine exactly what the visitors' game plan was, as the eleven men in white seemed intent on playing as individuals who seemed only vaguely acquainted with each other rather than as a unified team. United appeared content to sit back deeply and give away possession cheaply, as if offering their own kindness to Liverpool on a day which saw the Hillsborough 96 remembered in the pre-game ceremonies.

Q. Was there a defining event of the first half?

A. If there was it was Jonjo Shelvey's rash challenge on Jonny Evans, which resulted in a straight red card for the Liverpool midfielder. Sir Alex thought so, too, as he and Shelvey exchanged verbal volleys as the hairless scouser took an early walk toward the home locker room.

Q. And so a man up, United must have dominated the second half.  Correct?

A. A funny thing happened on the way to an easy victory at Anfield. Steven Gerrard came up with yet another goal against United before the clock had even ticked off three minutes of the second half. Once again, a Liverpool player found himself in acres of space in front of Lindegaard's net; this time the home team took advantage.

Q. Did RVP step up to level the game?

A. No. This time the equalizer came from a rather unlikelier source: Rafael. The Brazilian right back found the side post and received a friendly bounce to beat an outstretched Pepe Reina from an extremely tight angle. His defense may be a bit suspect at times, but the kid has turned into quite an attacking weapon this season.

Q. How did Liverpool respond?

A. The Russian judge handed Luis Suarez an average score of 8.0 for his dives in the box, while Raheem Sterling finished a very close second in the competition.

Ecuadorian Magic: Manchester United 2 - Blackburn Rovers 0

photo by AdrianDC	via PhotoRee

After a stress-free weekend spent golfing in Scotland, Sir Alex and the boys got back down to business on Monday as they traveled to Blackburn Rovers in a game that would have a significant impact on the season's title chase. Fergie tossed out a real puzzler with the opening team sheet, leading to questions as to how United would set up, but by kickoff it was clear the Gaffer had opted for a 4-3-3 spearheaded by Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney out wide, with Chicharito in the center, backed by a midfield trio of Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and ex-Rover Phil Jones. The defense remained constant, anchored by the newly shorn David De Gea in net, with Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans sharing center half duties, while Patrice Evra and Rafael worked the sidelines at fullback.  To Ewood Park for our patented Game Day Report:

It's a physical contest from the outset, the tackles hard and elbows flying, with the noise from the supporters on both sides only serving to increase the intensity of the players on the pitch.  United begin confidently, a mood befitting their performance on the road this season, and the quick passing and deft touches displayed by the visitors have to be a pleasing sight to their manager.  While Valencia and Rafael busy themselves with the task of tearing the left side of Blackburn's defense to shreds, Junior Hoilett comprises a one man protest unit for the opposition.  Although United continue to control the proceedings, the offensive chances spurned by Chicharito and Rafael in the early going seem fewer and further between as the referee's watch passes the half hour mark.

Rooney's propensity to cut inside from the left leads to an generally unbalanced attack as the tension increases, and Rovers are able to spare an extra man to keep the threat from Valencia down to a dull roar by the time the halftime whistle nears.  Meanwhile, Blackburn's threat level goes from non-existent to terrifying in first half stoppage time, as De Gea is twice forced to tip over the bar to keep the score line tight.

The evening turns a bit nasty as Scholes is felled by an early second half elbow, and United dial up the pressure in search of the lead.  Blackburn's Paul Robinson is put to the test by both Rooney and Rafael before Rovers respond with several attacks even more blistering than Scholes' verbal assault on Referee Howard Webb, and only the linesman's whistle for a ball over the end line stops Blackburn from grabbing a shock  lead.

Le Deluge: Manchester United 5 - Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

photo by jtravism	via PhotoRee

"Après Moi, le deluge." -- Louis XV

Sir Alex opts for an attacking lineup at Molineux, sending out a front line of Wayne Rooney and Chicharito, joined in action by an out-of-position Danny Welbeck and a just-returning-from-injury Antonio Valencia to slay Wolves.  It's a key game for the Red Devils, who will seek to inflict a psychological blow on trailing Manchester City, putting them four points down the table before they even take the pitch for their mid-week clash with Chelsea.

Welbeck and Valencia are joined by the calming presence of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes in midfield, while the first choice partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans anchor a defense that also consists of Captain Patrice Evra, Rafael and David De Gea. To the Midlands we go for the latest installment of our season-long soap opera:

It's a muddled opening, with both sides seeking to gain the upper hand in the contest's early going. By the time five minutes have passed, United begin to control the game's tempo, Carrick and Scholes conducting the orchestra, and it appears only a slower-than-expected pitch is keeping the Red's passing game from clicking into fruition.  Rafael just misses picking out Chicharito for a certain score, and Wolves can consider themselves warned for the first time on the afternoon.

Michael Carrick fails to trouble Wayne Hennessy as United push attacking numbers forward, lured by the opportunity to attack the League's worst home defense.  Wolves display resiliency in shrugging off their close calls, as Stephen Fletcher almost opens the scoring with an unexpected twist to the plot; his glancing header off of Matt Jarvis' dangerous cross, however, is just wide of target. 

The shocker ultimately comes at the other end, however, and it's not the fact a goal is scored, but who scores it: Jonny Evans is ebullient, as an unmarked Carrick nods a Rooney corner into the box, where the Northern Irishman has an unmarked knee-high finish to put the visitors up 1-nil.

Ronald Zubar is fortunate to escape a red card for a reckless challenge on Rooney, as United look for a stranglehold on the proceedings; instead, he's shown rather leniently shown a yellow. At the other end, Rafael is found guilty of blocking as United give away a free kick, but Fletcher blasts it well high of goal and the danger is averted.

United are unable to get out of second gear, and seem to lack the sparkle of the opening 20 minutes. But when Zubar commits a second late and hard tackle, Wolves can have no complaint as he's shown the door for his second yellow card of the afternoon, and United have been gifted a true opportunity.  When Antonio Valencia fast breaks his way in on goal after a poor Matt Jarvis corner at the other end,  the Ecuadorian needs no additional help, and the opportunity has been grasped, along with a goal that makes the score on the day 2-0.

Danny Welbeck scores a third only two minutes later, tucking Valencia's cross into the back of the net, and goal difference now becomes a crucial target for the Reds -- a big day could be in store.  Valencia is absolutely on fire this afternoon, terrorizing Wolves without answer on the right hand touch line, and when the two teams go into the break the only question that needs to be answered for the rest of the afternoon surrounds the size of the Reds' final margin.

One Bridge Crossed: Manchester United 2 - Ajax 0

photo by Jos van Zetten	via PhotoRee

Sir Alex and the boys traveled to the city of bridges, Amsterdam, for a Thursday night Europa League clash against Ajax FC. While not the Champions League by any stretch of the imagination, at least the thought of playing a world famous European opponent gave United fans some small sense of satisfaction -- and the thought of heading to a city full of hashish dens and red light sex shops probably didn't hurt the attraction for the traveling fans, either.

Regardless, the most exciting news coming out of the United camp pre-game was the midfield pairing of Michael Carrick and the returning Tom Cleverley. Injured since November, Cleverley has in his absence become a savior of sorts, the answer for whatever ails the club -- in fact, United's lack of advancement into the Champions League knockout stages would clearly have been different "if only Cleverley had been available," or something like that. Off to see if the reality would come even close to living up to the hype, farlieonfootie's crack team of reporters invaded Amsterdam to turn in this report:

It's a new anthem and unfamiliar teams in the pre-game highlights, but the packed stands full of 50,000 enthusiastic home supporters seem to care little, as they experience the joy of a mid-week European clash -- Manchester United's first such match outside of the Champions League since 1995.

The contest began cagily enough, both clubs longstanding veterans of the conservative approach required to succeed in pan-European football.  As the clock ticked toward 15 minutes, though, the game began to open up ever so slightly, with the home side seemingly the primary beneficiary of the increasing amounts of open space showing on the green grass of the Amsterdam Arena pitch.

Both teams battled for supremacy in the middle third, and the lack of substantive penetration of the final third on either end was primarily due to the teams' conservative opening gambits rather than a lack of accurate passing or strategic indecision.

Javier Hernandez gave the hosts something to think about as he was slipped behind the Dutch defense, but Ajax 'keeper Kenneth Vermeer was alert to the danger and responded well by smothering the ball before the Mexican could inflict any further damage. For their part, Ajax seemed content holding the ball, as if possession alone could guarantee them a result, while lacking the true cut and thrust shown by United, even if the end result was the same. The hosts did finally call on United 'keeper David De Gea as the clock hit the half hour mark, although the embattled Spaniard's full stretch more than covered the open net behind him.

The vaunted Cleverley effect was little noticed by the interval, which ended on a small note of controversy as Ajax pleaded for a non-existent foul just outside of the box.  That their pleas were correctly waved off by Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi was confirmed by television video evidence as the two teams trotted off the pitch.

A track meet broke out to begin the second half, as if the coaches' halftime instructions included a change to the two teams' pay structure, with new compensation measured in terms of a taxi cab, payable according to the number of miles traveled. The feeling of a goal grew near, with United laying siege to the hosts' goalmouth, but it wasn't until Ashley Young poked home a misdirected cross near the hour mark that the seal was finally broken and the visitors took a deserved 1-nil lead.

And Then There Were Two: Manchester United 2 - Arsenal 1

photo by Gilles Gonthier	via PhotoRee

With Manchester City's dramatic late win over Tottenham in Sunday's early contest, it was left to the other team from Manchester to make up the weekend's point deficit all by themselves. United trotted out in their lucky blue and black away kits needing three points from behind enemy lines to keep ground with the League leaders. For their part, Arsenal entered the game with a less than full-strength squad, in a season beset by injuries, as Head Gunner Arsene Wenger handed 18 year-old Alexis Oxlaide-Chamberlain his full League debut.

The game began a cagey enough affair, with both sides sniffing the other out like a pair of dogs. Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Oxlaide-Chamberlain saw the best opportunities in the early going, although Jonny Evans and Anders Lindegaard proved up to the task when called upon.  Meanwhile, Arsenal were content to sit back and allow United to build from within their own half, but the visitors' patient interplay failed to showcase much in the way of attacking intent.

Somewhat worryingly for the away side, Phil Jones was stretchered off at the game's 15 minute mark, the victim of an ankle roll replaced by Rafael Da Silva after being added to United's lengthy injury worries. After the substituion United began to look a bit more threatening -- more like the ominous clouds hanging over the darkening skies above the Emirates -- but were unable to navigate their way past the makeshift Gunner defense.

It was the 25th minute before Danny Welbeck caught the eye, but the young Englishman's first streak forward was interrupted at the last minute by Laurent Koscielny's pacey defending. Ryan Giggs was one of United's few bright spots in the game's first half hour, with his jinking runs through the middle of the pitch providing some few looks at the never-aging Welshman's peerless wizardry.

United's pressure built as Luis Nani was stopped by Arsenal 'keeper Wojciech Sczcesny, the young Pole denying the winger at the near post. Arsenal was reduced to applying pressure through the counter attack, a 180 degree role reversal in the two teams' typical behavior in the encounter. Mike Dean refused a penalty on Wayne Rooney -- although it was more scant hope from Wazza than reaction to a sharp elbow which accompanied his fall in the box. Nani blazed in on goal as the interval drew near, but the wide man's decision making proved as frustratingly off target as his eventual shot.

In final half stoppage time it was Giggs yet again, combining with Antonio Valencia for some late drama. The Ecuadorian netted off Gigg's arcing cross for one of his most meaningful goals of the season, providing a powerful hammer blow to the Gunners' hopes.  The timing of the half was unfortunate: the visitors now had the lead and were in the ascendancy, but with a new 45 minutes still to play there was only the slimmest of winning margins separating the two sides at the break.

Five Things We Learned Watching Manchester United put Five Past Wigan

photo by S1lvers Family	via PhotoRee

It's like Groundhog Day around here at farlieonfootie.  In a virtual repeat of their last game, United scored early on Boxing Day and were out of sight by halftime.  So why mess with success?  If the theme works, let's keep it going....  Herewith, five things we learned yesterday as United put five past a hapless Wigan side to go joint top of the table with City:

1.  Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia are the ultimate utility players. With Sir Alex back in rotation mode on Boxing Day, the Englishman and the Ecuadorian are plug and play options who fill in whatever void injuries or rest happen to hand the Reds. Their versatility is hugely underrated -- very few players are good enough to play anywhere other than their "natural" position.  And while Valencia's move from winger to fullback might allow him some sense of familiarity, Carrick's move from midfield to central defense is a whole different kettle of fish and much more complicated than it might at first appear.  That both excelled yesterday in a position other than their regular spot has got to give the rest of the team a huge boost in confidence.

2.  Darren Gibson?!?!  That is all.

3.  Ji-Sung Park played today as if he got a massive lump of coal from Santa on Sunday.  The South Korean was full of piss and vinegar, especially in the first half, taking out a season full of frustration on Wigan Athletic, and getting only his second goal of the season to open the scoring. Park was a whirling dervish on both offense and defense, popping up forward and back, right and left, and causing all sorts of problems for the visitors. There's a downside, though, to this sort of performance: Sir Alex may actually begin to believe that he doesn't need any new midfield signings if Parky keeps it up....

Back on Track: Manchester United 3 - Aldershot Town 0

photo by tompagenet	via PhotoRee

Playing in a stadium just one-tenth the size of Old Trafford, Manchester United went back to basics last night in a fifth round Carling Cup contest against Coach Dean Holdsworth's Division Two Aldershot Town.

Herewith, a few thoughts from "the game after," as United eased their way to a relatively straightforward 3-0 victory against industrious opposition, and began the effort to salve the self-inflicted wounds administered during the stoppage time beatdown on Sunday:

o I loved the feel of the broadcast. With its extra tight angles and close-up sideline shots, the camera was practically on the pitch during the contest.  The broadcast had a totally different feel than a weekend Premier League encounter, and the feeling pervaded the entire watching experience.  It had the effect of making the action on dsiplay seem initmately familiar: sure, this might have been Manchester United on display, but this was the game we all know and love at its very core, and the action felt much closer to what the average football fan's experience is with the game than the hyped-up glamour that is big time British football.

o Dimitar Berbatov looked a man among boys last night, which in all fairness, he should have. After all, the Berbinator did lead a certain English League in scoring last season....  The Bulgarian scored the team's first goal last night, and should have bagged a second just a short while later, before he was mowed down in the box by an Aldershot defender. Berba looked geared up and primed for the game, all full of poetry and trickery, and was the undisputed leader of United's attack.  In fact, as if proving a point to his Coach, Berbatov also played defense last night, tracking back repeatedly -- not a trait for which he is especially well known -- and took over the ball in many a deep lying position as he drove the team forward.

o After being thoroughly dominated for the first 25 minutes, Aldershot worked their way back into the game and gave as good as they got for much of the latter stages of the first half. But once again it was Berbatov to the fore: with a deliciously simple side-footed dish to an onrushing Michael Owen, Berbatov set the table for a 2-nil United lead, and quickly and dramatically closed off any remaining "shot" the Aldertownians had at getting back into the game.

Poppin' Out of My Head

photo by marcleh	via PhotoRee

Difficult to control the footie thoughts today, popping out of my head from seemingly nowhere at all:

• What in the world did Dimitar Berbatov do to lose his starting place, and what does it all mean for him and Manchester United?  The Bulgarian still to this day leads the EPL in scoring for the season, and his general play, attitude and hustle -- yes, hustle -- have been outstanding this season. So how is he rewarded for all his hard work?  Have a seat, Dimi.... I'll be the first to admit Berba's been streaky this season -- putting up big numbers against Liverpool, Blackburn and Birmingham, and often going dry for a number of games.  But it seems as if just when he last hit top gear -- against Birmingham, in late January, with his third hat trick of the season -- that he was shunted aside yet again.  Am I missing something, or does he just not fit into the Reds' current scheme?  I don't ask this question lightly, as it's impossible to dismiss the preternatural rise of young Javier Hernandez this season, or the undeniable fact that Rooney is finally beginning to play himself into the form that we expected a bit earlier in the campaign, or recognize that Sir Alex prefers a five man midfield in "more important" games, but again I ask: Where does Berba fit in?  I love the guy and I would like to see him on the pitch more often.

• Is Valencia really going to play at that level right from the get go?  Was anyone else astonished by his performance on Saturday?  I mean, doesn't Antonio need a game or two to warm up?  The Ecuadorian's 45 minute shift against Arsenal was simply astounding, and he looked as if he hadn't missed a game all season.  Showing pace, verve and confidence, Tony V reminded us all what we've been missing this year: directness on the ball, terrorizing defensive backs with breakout pace and stinging crosses, and providing a quick outlet for the 'keeper to get the ball up the pitch.  I hope it continues, 'cause if it does it will make all the difference in the run-in.  Talk about a new signing...!  My guess is Valencia will fit in a bit better with his "new" teammates than Torres is doing down in London.