Manchester United advanced to the 5th round of the FA Cup when they beat Reading FC quite comfortably at Old Trafford making these 8 home victories in 8 for Erik ten Hag since the World Cup. It was a kind of fixture which was certainly a cakewalk for the host but still, Ten Hag went for the first team last night in order to make a resolute victory over The Royals.
It was an all-Brazilian show where the 3 Brazilian internationals were involved on the scoresheet for Manchester United. First, midfield sensation, Casemiro hit twice followed by a wonderful flick by Fred.
Here are the 5 things we learned.
1. Casemiro: The best signing for Manchester United.
Manchester United have only lost twice in 21 games when Casemiro has started. His dynamic role in the midfield is what we have been waiting for in the past few years, and now we have one. But the main thing is that we should start finding his backup as soon as possible due to our fragility in the squad. He scored two magnificent goals as well.
2. Weghorst: The pressing machine.
Undoubtedly the manager prefers a kind of striker who can generally press hard on the opposition defenders. The exact thing that Ronaldo lacked in every game. Though he is not amongst the player on the scoresheet he genuinely brings an impact on the field. I’m sure he will be showing his talent which he has already demonstrated in Turkey this season.
3. Rashford’s goal was denied after a controversial VAR decision.
It was a smooth and intelligent header by Rashford from the far corner but eventually was ruled offside due to the position on Weghorst. It is still confusing for many, especially in the EFL and FA Cups where the support comes less from the VAR.
During the incident in question, the ball was not being played to Weghorst – the only reason he received the ball was because of a huge deflection off the Reading defender.
4. Erik ten Hag is taking every game seriously for Manchester United.
Be it the EFL or FA cup, silverware is what he needs at this moment in order to build confidence in managing a big club like United. We all believe that he has the potential to do so successfully. He needs a bit of cash to buy a few players according to his choices. But if we see what he has done to the team with the limited number of players is something remarkable.
5. The defence still looks a bit fragile for United.
Many would blame De Gea for the goal that he conceded against Reading FC. That was some free header that Mbengue got for the consolation. This same happened in the Arsenal game, conceding from the corner twice.
This is the area where United should work more on. The markings should be made properly in the set pieces. Still, the duo of Martinez and Varane has worked wonders for Ten Hag’s men.
