Ratings: David De Gea the stand out performer in lacklustre 0-0 draw against AZ Alkmaar

Manchester United were unable to get a shot on goal, let alone score in a poor away match against AZ Alkmaar in The Hague on Thursday evening. It has shown Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he has a lot of work to do with his team in order to drive them to the glory days. This season has shown that this club is on the decline faster than an ice cube in the Sahara.

The Dutch side had four shots on goal, all of them on target with United having three shots, none on target. It ended with both teams having 50% of the ball with United having an 89% passing accuracy with AZ Alkmaar having 88%. United made four blocks in their area with the Dutch side making three. There really was not much more to say about the match.

Marcus Rashford replaced Daniel James in the 63rd minute of the match, to try and seek the elusive goal, unable to do so. Jesse Lingard came on for Mason Greenwood in the 77th minute, possibly having the best chance of the game and not hitting the target from close range. Scott McTominay replaced Juan Mata with seven minutes remaining, unable to drive his team to victory.

This is a worrying sign for United, who are left with little quality in the team at this moment in time. Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial could well be nearing full fitness after long-term injuries, Paul Pogba needs to overcome an ankle injury and both Eric Bailly and Tim Fosu-Mensah need to overcome knee injuries. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is ill with tonsillitis.

Solskjaer will need to go back to the drawing board, otherwise he could be in deep trouble. The style of play is high pressing, which is not working. There needs to be a massive rebuilding plan with the club seeking to bring in players of quality in the areas lacking, which so far seems to be outfield players with the defence the strongest attribute.

[player_ratings id=”98054″]

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Rojo, Williams; Matic; Mata (McTominay 83′), Gomes, Fred, James (Rashford 63′); Greenwood (Lingard 77′)

Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Maguire, Tuanzebe; Chong

Bookings: Diogo Dalot 90+1′

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I support Manchester United, the greatest English football team to have ever existed. Bruno Fernandes is the latest in a long line of players with great ability to play for the club. I idolised Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona growing up.