Manchester United had the chance to overcome the obscurity against Valencia at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, only able to get a draw in a game which was lacking desire, largely from the United players. The team, if you can call it that, seemed to be on its knees and shouting for a change, no matter what that might be. The chance to end the speculation and spin some positivity was long gone against the Spanish side.
These seems to be a lot of discontent at the club right now. From the players, to the manager, right through to the supporters. If it could be called right now, there would be a big change coming, a change that will not necessarily be the right one and would set the club back by a number of years. However, it is not for me to say how things can be changed. I have no control here, just a suggestion.
The media will be happy as their endless stream of stories has been given more ammunition for the remainder of the week, which will see the discontent spread with many so-called supporters believing everything which seems to be written about the club, no matter how each story contradicts another. This will play out for the remainder of the week with United at home to Newcastle United on Saturday evening, which could be another barren match.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
The Spanish number one had little to contend with throughout the game. There were fears that he would not be playing tonight as he was not seen heading into the Lowry on Monday evening, which was obviously more of nothing than anything. His distribution was not the best but that is the least of the worries right now.
25 Antonio Valencia
Washed up? Plenty of energy, nothing to give? The captain? These are things that suggest that Valencia has had his day. Bring in Diogo Dalot, now!
12 Chris Smalling
Plenty has been said about Smalling over the years. The one thing that sticks is that he's not good enough for Manchester United. He's put in performances from time to time but consistency is key. Is able to deal with aerial challenges but lacks what is needed at the back. Some think he's better than the players Mourinho wanted this summer. Hmmmm
3 Eric Bailly
Rusty? Lacking desire? Gave a little too much space to the visitors. Could have received a nasty unjust in the first half, which could have seen him on the sidelines again. Improved in the second half, slightly. Still not good enough for a club of this calibre though.
23 Luke Shaw
Has the attitude his peers do not have. Got involved in the game and looked like he wanted to get stuck in and help turn things around. However, some could not have the same said about them. Shaw has worked hard to win the trust of Mourinho.
27 Marouane Fellaini
Physical presence. That is all the Belgian offers. His footballing presence is not the best but he's a threat in the box. United lacked pace in midfield with Fellaini but I guess it had to be that way.
31 Nemanja Matic
Slow. Sluggish on the ball. Too many inaccurate passes. This season the Serbian could find himself having to up his game drastically.
6 Paul Pogba
World Cup winner. Was it a fluke? This guy has no desire, determination and lacked the simple ability to play football tonight. A player seems to be showing his bosses that he wants to move on to pastures new. Would it really be a shame?
10 Marcus Rashford
Seemed the most likely player to create something for United. His set-pieces were not the best. Had intent going forward, which cannot be said for some or most of his teammates. Not his fault.
9 Romelu Lukaku
Poor first touch. Unable to be the striker. Needs to be min the box, not playing deep. He's not Wayne Rooney. Lacked movement needed for a top striker. Disconnected from his teammates. Not sure how he can improve as much as he needs to. £75 million looks like a lot of money for him this season.
7 Alexis Sanchez
Missing from the start of the game. Seems dejected. Not a winger. Seems like a player that has just met his teammates, not trained with them for eight months. Not sure how this changes. That can be said for the entire squad as they are stuck in a rut they don't seem to want to get out of.
Substitutes
11 Anthony Martial
Replaced Sanchez 77'. Seemed to lack anything or note after replacing the Chilean, who has workmate with little output.
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Shaw; Fellaini, Matic, Pogba; Rashford, Lukaku, Sanchez (Martial 77′)
Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Darmian, Lindelof; Fred, Mata, McTominay
Bookings: Romelu Lukaku 86′
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