Man Of The Match vs Reading

United still aren’t clicking and it told in today’s performance, especially defensively.

Seemingly susceptible from corners, set pieces and aerially we conceded 3 goals in the first half and with Man City coming up Sir Alex must be worried.

The return of Nemanja Vidic against Cluj can’t come to soon enough and the Serbian will be in contention for the City game if his comeback goes well.

With that said, our man of the match isn’t going to be a defender!

Anderson looked likely to be a contender for the award had he not come off injured. United’s midfield can be static and devoid of ideas at times so having Anderson in there is a boost. Not only is his passing impressive, the Brazilian isn’t afraid to pick up the ball and just drive at the opposition. He did this against QPR last week and Javier Hernandez benefitted, scoring United’s 3rd.

Today he got forward and helped United carve out their first real opportunity when his pass found Ashley Young only for the England international to nearly bend his shot out for a throw. The Brazilian decided to take matters into his own hands and blasted an equaliser in for United.

Picking up a hamstring injury that Sir Alex said will keep him out for ‘a few weeks’, United will miss his energy against Man City and I fear Man City will take advantage of our lethargic play in his absence and pick our midfield apart.

That leaves one man for the award, yes Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex challenged the striker to score more goals on Friday as Rooney had only found the back of the net 3 times, and he replied immediately with 2 against Reading. His cooly dispatched penalty gave United the lead whilst he swept home from close range to draw United level for a second time. As well as his goals, Rooney also set up Robin Van Persie with a cheeky back heel for United’s fourth and the winner.

Whilst as a striker goals are a big part of his game, Rooney is a sublime player that is capable of everything thus he has no qualms with performing in a deeper role. Here he is able to influence the game more, even if it means he doesn’t get as many chances as he would further forward.

Rooney remains Manchester United’s best player even if he isn’t the best striker which in itself is debatable, and when he is at the races United always have a chance regardless of opposition.