A tepid Manchester United slumped to a 0-1 defeat, courtesy of a shocking penalty decision that should have been overturned by a VAR check.
In a game of few chances and a lack of quality, the closest United came was a Cristiano Ronaldo header that ended up in the back of the net, but was correctly ruled out for offside. Substituted at half-time; Christian Eriksen was again United’s MOTM. Although he, and the rest of the team, will have better days in a United shirt.
On a night overshadowed by the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a perfectly observed minute’s silence was held before the game.
It was a night of missed opportunities. Not in front of goal, but for out-of-favour players to stake their claim for a return to first-team action. Maguire and Lindelof were OK, but Fred and Cristiano Ronaldo had forgettable nights; it would be difficult to imagine any of this group making the starting 11 any time soon.
Excellent Eriksen, Frustrating Fred, Clumsy Casemiro
True to recent form, it was again Christian Eriksen pulling the strings for United, and he was at the heart of most of the good things they did in the first half; always available to receive the ball and play progressive passes at tempo. The Dane was brought off at half-time, in what can only be assumed is a protective measure.
However, it was a poor night for Fred; Eriksen’s elite passing ability brings his passing limitations into sharp perspective. Ten Hag started Fred in the same advanced No.10 position that he ended the Arsenal game with; but too many passes went astray and he was dispossessed far too often.
Fred is a player that embodies the Ten Hag fighting spirit; and he will still be used in big games in the future. However, it’s clear that he performs better against teams that dominate possession, where his tenacity and tackling make up for his limited passing range.
The third player in the three-man midfield; Casemiro, also played poorly. Like Fred, his passing wasn’t up to scratch and he still looks off the pace. Reputation aside, it’s difficult to make the case that he should replace Scott McTominay in United’s starting 11 this weekend.
Class is permanent though, and Casemiro will come good – hopefully soon!
Never a penalty
Although it was a forgettable night, United could – and should – have gotten a point. Lisandro Martinez’s excellent block from ex-City midfielder David Silva was ruled as handball; despite hitting the Argentine’s thigh at close-range before flicking off his arm, which wasn’t outstretched. Brais Méndez converted the subsequent spot-kick to send the travelling supporters into raptures.
The most frustrating thing about the decision was the lack of VAR intervention. Understandably, referees make mistakes, but they can be looked at and overturned. Bafflingly, the VAR official didn’t even deem this decision worthy of a check and United were subsequently robbed of a point.
Ronaldo ineffective
Like many in the team, Ronaldo didn’t cover himself in glory. There was no lack of effort from the Portuguese legend; but his runs were often mistimed and he was caught offside far too often, including for his disallowed goal.
He broke free down the left mid-way through the first half, but lost the ball as he tried to chop back inside onto his favoured right foot, when a left-footed shot seemed the most viable option. Aside from that he never looked like scoring; sticking a free-kick into the Real Sociedad wall in the 90th minute
Learn the lessons and move on
Whilst not the result he would have wanted, Erik ten Hag will know that his United side are still odds-on favourites to qualify from their Europa League group, so it isn’t a total disaster.
However, he will be concerned at the lack of impact from some. Aside from the players mentioned; Sancho and Antony were unproductive, as was Anthony Elanga, although the latter did show flashes with his dribbling and pace.
Ten Hag will need to work some more of his magic – quickly – to get the squad firing on all cylinders by the weekend for a tricky away tie. Selhurst Park is a tight ground with a hostile atmosphere, and Crystal Palace are a very good team on their day.
United need to put last night behind them, listen to the manager, train hard and go again.