Another match-day for Manchester United means another abysmal performance. The Red Devils threw away a 2-0 lead with just 20 minutes left. Philippe Coutinho inspired a dramatic comeback to earn Aston Villa a 2-2 draw on his stunning debut.
It was meant to be the season where United were going to mount a genuine title challenge. Ralf Rangnick’s arrival offered the fans some hope that the club will finally have a discernable identity. It was supposed to be a positive start for the interim boss with a favourable run of fixtures. But there haven’t been any promising signs.
The Reds are now 24 points behind the current Premier League leaders. Attempting to close the gap on the top four seems unattainable at this very moment.
Here are five things we learnt from yet another disappointing game.
NO CONTROL
A major reason why United couldn’t keep hold of their lead was a lack of control for the full duration of the game.
Villa were able to push forward and exert pressure as United had inconsistent spells of possession and took one too many passes in tight spaces.
‘Control’ has been a term repeatedly used by Rangnick as he wants his side to play proactively with and without the ball. However, a total of 46% possession to Villa’s 54% suggests the team’s ball-playing capabilities need to improve.
Until then, United will find themselves in trouble as they continue to surrender the ball against either technically superior or more determined sides.
MIDFIELD DISARRAY
It’s the same story every week — the midfield was completely dominated and overrun.
United’s struggle to find a balance between defence and attack stems from the gaping hole in midfield. This was apparent when United was struggling to assert control in the opening minutes of the second half. My immediate thought was “we lost the midfield battle once again.”
While Fred assisted Bruno Fernandes’ goal, his advanced position left us defensively vulnerable. This meant Nemanja Matic was often left on his own to fend off multiple opposition players.
The incohesive midfield was most notably exploited when it was bypassed by Jacob Ramsay to get a goal back for Villa which ultimately sparked the home side’s resurgence.
United don’t have a central defensive midfielder who has the technical proficiency or mental fortitude to receive a pass under pressure and dictate the game’s tempo.
FITNESS ISSUES
United had an energetic start to the match and were constantly looking to progress the ball forward through the fullbacks. The high-intensity in the opening half was largely down to Anthony Elanga’s quick and direct runs on the left-hand side.
However, the Reds didn’t seem to have the match-fitness, energy or impetus to sustain an attack and put Villa on the back foot. The players looked extremely fatigued and passive in the latter stages of the game — moments where you simply can’t afford to drop off.
Matic especially was off the pace compared to the lively, aggressive opposition players. This calls into question whether Rangnick’s late changes (or lack thereof) contributed to the fall-off.
DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES
United’s defensive capabilities need to be addressed. They’ve now conceded two more goals than Burnley who sit bottom of the league.
Coutinho’s equaliser exposed the backline’s defensive frailties. While the fullbacks were productive on the attacking front, defensively Alex Telles and Diego Dalot were too slow to catch up to advancing forwards. Raphaël Varane arguably should’ve dealt with the second goal better when Coutinho drifted off his back shoulder to score.
BRUNO’S BACK?
Bruno Fernandes has received a fair share of criticism this season based on recent performances and his attitude on the field.
However, he was handed the captain’s armband for this game and certainly led by example on the pitch. It was really good to see Fernandes score a brace, particularly when he’s been struggling for goals of late. We can only hope that he takes something away from his solid performance to recapture his form from last season.