‘Heartstopper at the Hawthorns’ United v WBA – 5 Things I Noticed
So it is the beginning of the new season and after a very thrilling pre-season, United fans everywhere were salivating at the prospect of a new-look United team blowing the Baggies off the park and lay down a marker for their Premier League rivals to aspire to.
Whilst United did justify their tags as favourites and secured the win, it was not easy by any means and alot of talking points were raised as to the flaws this young side possess and where we could be exploited further down the line by stronger outfits than West Bromwich Albion.
1. Another De Gea Howler…
A lot of United fans were hoping the claims of De Gea being poor with shots from long-distance were unfounded and that surely a keeper from the land of Casillas & Reina could hardly be found wanting with well-struck shots and that his clearly brilliant agility would not let him down in that part of his game.
Dzeko’s shot in the community shield, shattered those delusions and the next excuse offered was that he’s a young lad struggling with nerves and the pressure of having to deal with the burden of following Van Der Sar. Whilst that was a more than acceptable explanation, what transpired today at the Hawthorns can’t be explained by nerves solely. There is a technical weakness in De Gea’s game with grounded shots, he struggles to get down quick enough whereas aerial shots from long-distance, I don’t think he will have much problems with. Being such a young lad and with an able deputy in Lindergaard, one hopes this kink can be ironed out without necessary having to start him week in week out..
Aerially he struggled today as well and considering this was against WBA, a notoriously weak side from set-pieces, that is also a cause for concern although in my opinion its more of a strength issue rather than one of lacking judgement/bravery. I’m less concerned about this, I can see him improving in this area of his game quite quickly.. its the long-range shots along the floor, I’m more concerned with at the moment.
2. Young to the rescue
A fabulous display by Young, following his very impressive display against City. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a big fan of signing Young, I was more concerned with how we were going to strengthen the centre of midfield but he’s been an astute buy as that left-wing spot looks very solid now, he’s more suited to play on that flank than Nani.
His dribbling is one area in which he has progressively improved throughout preseason, which was to be expected as the more he got settled, the more confidence he would have in taking on players. Whether or not near the business end of the season he can produce killer runs against the big teams, is yet to be seen but his ability to keep the ball and deliver top quality crosses, is an attribute that can’t be denied.
3. Lack of Aerial Threat in the final third…
With our new look side’s desire to play fast attacking football on the floor, you’d think this isn’t much of an issue but with the likes of Young and Nani on the flank, dangerous crosses were being put in and there was no one in there that looked likely to score.
Thankfully we have Hernandez and keeping him fit could really rack up the assists for Young especially. His clever runs off the ball and his appreciation of space in the box, not to mention his sheer bravery when going in to head is a quality that is in short supply in United’s otherwise strong all-round stable of forwards.
Click here for part two of Rae’s analysis of the game
Cleverley and Anderson are a very exciting pair in midfield but one couldn’t help but feel that Carrick’s presence was missed when West Brom were unleashing wave upon wave of sharp counter-attacks, exploiting the lack of defensive midfielder in the United lineup.
In a way its so refreshing to see United just go hell for leather, but a mobile Carrick-like player in that midfield, who fits into this new found style could be the smart signing United need to make before this transfer window shuts. It would allow Anderson and Cleverley to go about controlling games without having to worry about defensive responsibilities, and away from home against top opposition, this could be crucial.
Opposition Watch: Shane Long
A recent acquisition, a much needed one for the Baggies who are heavily reliant on the speed and trickery of Odemwingie. Hopefully for their sakes they can keep both players but if Odemwingie is to go, the glimpses we had of Long today were enough to suggest he can certainly make an impact at this level.
Forget the goal which was brought about by De Gea’s error, it was his general play which must have heartened Albion fans. Unlike Cox who just hasn’t looked Premiership quality over 90 minutes, Long’s hold up play and low centre of gravity were of a good level and United defenders struggled to knock him off the ball. He was also very sharp with the ball and displayed good feet. So an interesting debut. Another player who caught the eye once again was Simon Tchoyi, who was an absolute beast on the ball and someone who I can see moving to a big team.
Conclusion
A thrilling encounter brought about by both sides cavalier attitudes, but there will be question marks on both sides with regards to the quality of their keepers. Both looked shaky and when you compare their respective performances to the keepers who featured in the Stoke v Chelsea game, there was a big difference.
Up front both teams sizzled and I for one look forward to the return fixture, as games against the Baggies rarely disappoint. Anyway its good to finally have some serious football back and after yesterday’s turgid offering, todays encounter at the Hawthorns was the premier league at its electric best.
Written by
Raees (follow me on www.Twitter.com/redrae7_mufc)