Manchester United could only draw against Cambridge United in fourth round of FA Cup. Now Cambridge United will head for a replay at Old Trafford. The owners of Cambridge must be happy as they will get nearly 1.7 million pounds from the replay at Old Trafford while their annual income is just 1.6 million pounds. The match ended 0-0 as both teams were not able to score. Five talking points of Manchester United’s draw at Cambridge United.
What does Van Gaal wants with Phil Jones: The biggest question is that why is Phil Jones taking corners from left side. He is a tall player who can be a threat from set-pieces but he is taking corners. Whenever there was a corner from right side, Jones would stay back. All his corners were cleared easily. He also took an indirect free-kick some 40-yards from goal. He was also trying aimless long balls forward and also gave away the ball in dangerous positions. If he continues to give away the ball in dangerous situations, then it would not be too long when United will have a new player with jersey number 4.
Rojo finally started to settle at center back? This was Marcos Rojo’s best performance for United since his debut. He had played as center back earlier this season but he struggled at that position. In last game he was the best United player on the pitch. He made many clearances in the match. Whenever Jones had given the ball away in bad position, Rojo was there to rescue. He has a lot of potential to become best defender in Premier League.
Does Van Gaal have faith in youngsters? Van Gaal had always given chance to younger players but in Manchester United, he had given chance to James Wilson only. McNair and Blackett played because of defensive injuries but for Wilson, in some matches he was selected ahead of Falcao. Adnan Januzaj also had limited opportunity this season. After getting thrashed by league two side MK Dons, Van Gaal had not given a lot of opportunity to youngsters. In both FA Cup matches, he has selected a strong team. And it is estimated that he will again select a strong team in replay at Old Trafford.
United still struggling away from home: This season United had struggled playing away from Old Trafford. Cambridge United are 76 places behind Manchester United and they were not able to when even when players like Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Adnan Januzaj, Robin Van Persie and Michael Carrick were involved in the game. Out of total 14 away matches played this season, United managed to win only 4 games while 7 games ended in draw and lost the remaining 3 games. In each away game, United have struggled to get in the game. They cannot get the ball behind the defenders and easily came under pressure. So if United wants to stay in top four, they have to improve their away form.
Van Gaal’s tactics needs to be questioned: Van Gaal is known as a tactical genius but in last few matches, his tactics are confusing Manchester United’s fans. He know that three at the back does not work for United but still had played many games with three defenders. In last two premier league games, he has played Di Maria up front along with Van Persie or Falcao while Rooney has been dropped to mid-field. Di Maria has shown that he can be very good in wings or in mid-field but he is being used as striker even when United could not get ball behind the opposition’s defenders. Why is Herrera always on the bench when he better than Fellaini. In last game, Fellaini started at right side and could not properly get into the game. United are always known as a threat from set-pieces but Phil Jones taking corners and staying back when corner is from other side needs an explanation. He needs to change his tactics before buying or selling any player. If he does not change these things, then it I cannot see United staying in top 4 for too long.
Source: DSG
