Nov 04 2009
Manchester United Manage Another Late Old Trafford Rally
Never leave Old Trafford before the whistle blows. That has to be the rally cry after United’s breathtaking late display to secure qualification to the final 16 in the UEFA Champions League. CSKA Moscow had a brilliant display, going to Old Trafford determined to get results, and three times on the night they wouldn’t be denied.
But more so than United’s heroic comeback, inspired by newfound father Rooney, who only just became a father the night before, United’s defensive shortcomings were on full display. Remember, the next match for the defending Premiership champs is at Stamford Bridge, against in form Chelsea. If there is one thing Chelsea have shown this year, it’s that they can score goals.
Chelsea have an incredible, and uncanny ability to score, sometimes at will, against any opposition. United have shown that despite having a squad rich with talent, some days they can’t score a goal to save their lives. They’ve struggled to get on the score sheet against lesser clubs, even from the comfort of Old Trafford.
Stamford Bridge pummels the most confident opposition, and I’m betting the midfield battles will be very different, given that there will be no Owen Hargreaves present this year. United’s defense really needs to be assessed, because nobody looked confident against CSKA, or Blackburn for that matter. Even the usually spectacular Van Der Sar looked off the pace.
Something needs to change here, or United need to try some different tactics if they are to have any hopes of avoiding three losses this early in the season. A good start on tactics changes might be giving Obertan more opportunities now that he’s healthy. When United went down 3-1 and the instant change was always going to be Rooney, Macheda was converted into a left winger.
Why?
You have Obertan on the bench, and Macheda looked horrible playing on the left. United only really threatened from that side after Obertan finally came on, and was allowed to run at CSKA with his blistering pace and ability.
Sure Obertan has some issues with calming his nerves, as evidenced by a few of his touches in all three of his first team appearances. But that will calm, and he’ll settle in, but United don’t have a better left wing option. Nani keeps turning in awful performance after awful performance, and while Giggs has been a revelation, he just doesn’t carry winger pace anymore.
