Manchester United equal record amount of home defeats in a season – but was it all bad?
As the heavens opened on a primordial Old Trafford, Arsenal paved the way for another victory in 2024 – this time at the hands of Erik ten Hag’s troubled Manchester United.
Manchester was warm on Sunday – even when thunderstorms struck the Theatre of Dreams as the game ended – with Arsenal reclaiming top spot in the Premier League. The weather showcased more off-the-field problems for United as monumental issues with the historic infrastructure were laid bare.
The outcome, for many, was expected, but when we take a closer look, was it the performance many expected?
Injuries and errors
United came into the game with an array of injuries – missing Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, Raphaël Varane, Victor Lindelöf, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial.
That said, the Reds dominated the game for large spells – unexpectedly holding the ball for periods and acting quickly to shut off their opponent’s space. If not for a lapse in concentration from Casemiro in the 20th minute, one would be forgiven for saying United were comfortable without offering menace.
Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 20th minute thanks, in large, to another unforced error from the out-of-position Brazilian- allowing Leandro Trossard the easiest of finishes.
Notable statistics
Ten Hag’s side finished the game with 55% possession and conceded 11 shots – whereas, in recent times, his side has shipped close to 20 shots per game. The Dutchman made five substitutions throughout the game – three of the five aged 19 or younger – highlighting the lack of options at present.
Antony and Christian Eriksen offered the only senior option in reserve, while the youthful Omari Forson, Ethan Wheatley and Willy Kambwala were introduced late in the game.
Mikel Arteta called on Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho to see out the result – demonstrating the overwhelming difference between the strength of both sides on the day.
Lacking leadership
Martínez returned to Carrington on Thursday, although he did not feature in the matchday squad. As reported by The Standard, the Argentine had hoped to feature – “Yesterday, Licha came to me and wanted to play on Sunday against Arsenal, but he is not ready yet,” Ten Hag told the media. “He needs a little bit more time to go through the process, but he is so desperate”.
United lacked a clear goal threat yesterday, and the missing Fernandes probably would have impacted that should he have been declared fit for the game.
The Portuguese attacker receives much scrutiny as club captain, but his omission from the two previous outings highlighted the necessity for attacking additions to the squad.
The future is bright
Although United mustered 14 shots throughout the game, only two were on target. Except for one or two moments – mainly from Alejandro Garnacho – we never looked like scoring and struggled to create chances directly.
Amad Diallo got his first start of the season and looked bright playing predominantly on the right wing in front of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Amad had 46 touches in the game and finished with a 57% success rate in his dribbles and 100% accuracy in his long balls – despite being subbed in the 70th minute through injury.
He later took to social media to assure worried supporters that his injury was nothing to be concerned about.
Unconditional support
The Red Army (TRA) located in the Stretford End were in full voice – similar to the outstanding support that travelled to the defeat at Selhurst Park last week – with the iconic George Best honoured for what felt like 20 uninterrupted minutes in the second half.
Despite various reports suggesting the culture at the club is toxic, it is a breath of fresh air to see Kambwala embrace the Old Trafford faithful, highlighting his love for the club.
He revealed his passion for the Theatre of Dreams in an interview with the club’s official site in February. “I wasn’t watching a lot of football, but watching United was different for me,” he stated during the chat. “All of the players playing for United were an inspiration for me”.
Looking ahead
Hopes of getting a Europa League spot have taken a hit with the defeat, with the Reds sitting three points behind Newcastle United and Chelsea with two games to go.
Ten Hag’s side host Newcastle on Wednesday in an 8 PM BST kick-off, before travelling to the AMEX Stadium to face Brighton on the final day.
European-challenging Chelsea travels to Brighton on Wednesday – before hosting Bournemouth, while Newcastle make the trip to Brentford.
With one win in eight league fixtures, it will take a monumental change in fortunes to end the season on a high. Despite everything, we will be there supporting the club we hold dearly.
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