Man United thrashed Istanbul Basakshehir 4 – 1 at Old Trafford and are just 1 point away from qualification. We take a look at five things that we learnt.
Also check out our Match Review.
1. BRUNO IS UNITED’S BEST PLAYER BY FAR
The impact that Bruno Fernandes has had on the team is nothing short of extraordinary. Since he has come in he has been involved in more goals than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Against Instanbul he was at it yet again as he scored two goals. He even passed up on a hat-trick because of a promise he made to Marcus Rashford. The first goal was an extremely difficult volley and the second one was a simple finish because he was in the right place at the right time. This was the impact that Pogba was supposed to have but it’s being done by Bruno. Everybody had doubts about him when he first came. People said that he will never be able to replicate his Portuguese Premier League Division numbers in the English Premier League. He came in and proved everybody wrong.
2. DONNY VAN DE BEEK MAKES A CASE FOR FIRST TEAM SELECTION
Donny van de Beek has probably taken his chance to convince Solskjaer to pick him in the first team. Firstly, he has shown that he can play with Bruno Fernandes in a deeper position. After all he is an Ajax midfielder – where they teach them to play in every position. Secondly, he is the guy you want in a team that wants to dominate possession. He can create chances while also holding in a true box to box role. That is something missing since Ander Herrera left Man United.
3. MAN UNITED NEED A NEW CENTRE BACK TO PAIR WITH MAGUIRE/LINDELOF
More than just that, we need a consistent one who is fast. Because of our defensive frailties, we play two holding midfielders in front of them. If we somehow correct that – we will be able to play with a more creative/adventurous midfielder like we did against Istanbul. We were excellent going forward because of it but we were extremely open at the back. I’m still not convinced about our centre backs and I think we need to bring in a new one and see who he pairs up with best. Someone like Koulibally/Upamecano will also add leadership to the defence – something that’s missing (I’m not convinced Harry Maguire is a leader).
Check out my article on How to fix our defensive issues.
4. ALEX TELLES IS A CONSTANT THREAT
Alex Telles enjoyed a good game at Old Trafford. He was a constant threat down the left flank as he kept crossing the ball into dangerous areas. Because of a cross like that we got our second goal when the keeper under pressure made a mistake. He will give Solskjaer something to think about when Luke Shaw returns. Shaw is much better defensively but Alex Telles offers more creativity to the side. It will be interesting to see how they both play out.
5. MAN UNITED ARE JUST ONE POINT AWAY FROM QUALIFICATION
Man United can’t do much wrong in the Champions League. We’ve established ourselves as the firm favourites to progress out of the group stage in the group of death. Now a point from either of our games against PSG or Leipzig will see us go through due to a better Head to Head record. Hopefully, we can replicate our Champions League form in the domestic circuit as well.
