At last, Manchester United finally got back to winning ways after securing three points against relegation fodder Norwich City. However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for United as Norwich went level in the second half. Once again, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who salvaged a win with another remarkable career record hat-trick. Here are five things that we learnt.
defence exposed…again
United’s defensive frailties and weaknesses were exposed again by rock-bottom Norwich. It was more or less the same costly errors that have plagued United this season. Ronaldo’s brace in the opening 32 minutes put United in a comfortable lead. However, the tide changed when Norwich pulled a goal back after Teemu Pukki set up Kieran Dowell for a header at the back post on the stroke of half-time. Norwich were easily able to get back into the game thanks to some shocking defending from United.
Dowell was able to carry the ball from midfield into the final third as he was under no pressure. Diogo Dalot failed to close down Dimitris Giannoulis who fed a clever pass to Pukki with ease. His cross was then nodded in at the far post from an unmarked Dowell.
United’s defence was carved open again by Pukki’s equaliser early in the second half. Dowell was able to find space behind Telles in the build-up with Lindelof and Maguire caught in no man’s land.
United crumble under any team’s attacking pressure as the sheer number of chances Dean Smith’s side were able to create was unprecedented given that his team have scored only 20 league goals all season. The next manager needs to revamp the entire backline if this club has any aspirations of becoming a half-decent side.
Ronaldo’s a real problem…
Anyone who was adamant that Ronaldo is the problem and is responsible for the club’s demise this season is wrongly mistaken. That argument is invalid. It no longer holds up because if it wasn’t for the Portuguese superstar, United would be much lower on the table and struggling more than they already are.
Ronaldo’s 50th club career hat-trick was United’s saving grace which brings his total goal tally across all competitions this season to 21. The numbers the 37-year-old is putting up in a team that continues to serve up embarrassing performances every week makes it even more impressive.
His first goal netted just seven minutes after Anthony Elanga caught Ben Gibson in possession was only the fourth time United have scored in the opening first quarter of an hour in this Premier League season. His second was a thumping header from a corner which is a rare feat considering the club’s appalling set-piece record.
However, it was the third goal that reminded us that he is the greatest clutch player. When his team were down with their backs against the wall, he went on to score his 58th career goal to come directly from a free kick to win the points single-handly.
SLOW & UNCONTROLLED
The game should’ve been done and dusted very early on. However, United put in another below-par, lethargic performance as they failed to set the tempo. The game was incredibly slow as both teams were knocking the ball around without conviction or purpose in their attack. United took their time setting up every attacking sequence which allowed Norwich to get back into their defensive shape.
Dropping a 2-0 lead against the bottom team and showing no urgency or intensity to inspire a comeback is what we’ve come to expect from this side. It’s unsurprising that a team who’ve struggled to find their form or confidence would allow Norwich back in the game.
They lacked coherence and there was no defensive shape. Despite dominating possession, United will need to dictate the tempo to see out games with ease.
MIDFIELD CUT-OPEN
The absence of Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield proved costly as their energy and work rate were missed. Norwich were easily able to take possession and cut through lines to put United on the back foot. The lack of control and pressure on the opposition is largely down to the midfield set-up. Ralf Rangnick played three number 10s in Bruno Fernandes, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba who occupied a deeper role. However, the decision to opt for an aggressive midfield trio with no recognised holding player made the team more vulnerable. It took Norwich a few passes to get into dangerous areas as the back four received no solid midfield protection.
STILL TRAILING BEHIND
United are now just three points off a Champions League position, but the league table can be misleading at first glance. The upcoming fixtures will be tough for United and the fact that Ronaldo seems to be the only one pushing for a top-four position doesn’t give supporters much hope either.
While Arsenal and Tottenham lost their matches, United have dropped too many points against relegation sides and midtable teams to be in race. It’s a scary road ahead for Rangnick’s men as next up is title-hunters Liverpool at Anfield.