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Di’Shon Bernard wanted by Huddersfield Town and Coventry City with club set to decide on transfer stance

21 August 2020 by

Manchester United academy player Di’Shon Bernard is reportedly being looked at by both Huddersfield Town and Coventry City ahead of a move away from the Old Trafford club. The 19-year-old has made 55 appearances for the club at various youth levels, making his debut in the U18s during the 2017/18 season. The central defender started out at Chelsea but joined United after impressing on trial at the club. His short spell at the club could soon be over if reports are true.

Bernard also made his debut for United’s first team playing in the UEFA Europa League group stages earlier this season. At youth level, he has scored five goals and three assists. The Telegraph have claimed that the 19-year-old will be leaving the Old Trafford club this summer with both Huddersfield and Coventry supposedly interested in the defender. United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not yet sure whether the deal will be permanent or a loan spell.

It is also reported that an unnamed Belgian club are interested in the player also, which could give the player three options this summer, should United be seeking to sell him or loan him out. This summer, it is expected that James Garner will be loaned out of the club, which will give him some good first team experience, providing the club find the right club for him to do just that and have a contract to guarantee the 19-year-old a set number of minutes during the course of the season, which will be beneficial.

Tahith Chong has already been loaned out this summer with Werder Bremen signing the player for the duration of the 2020/21 season and academy starlet Aliou Traore has joined Ligue 2 side Caen, which might allow him the playing time to grow as a player away from the rigours of playing for United. It could be positive for these players on loan or it could go against them with them struggling to make the grade for the clubs they have been loaned to. If they don’t try, they don’t know, right?

Bernard could be a good player with the right development, and if this is going to be a loan spell, playing in the Championship, which is where Huddersfield have been since being relegated from the Premier League and Coventry, who won promotion last season, will be playing, could be good for the 19-year-old to gain some first team experience to use to his advantage if he does return to United. However, if it is a permanent move for the player, it will still be good for him to find his feet in a first team environment.

United have a number of good up and coming players in the academy and not all of them will make it at the club. It is possible that United will be seeking to fins clubs for players that might fall short of the requirements needed to make the first team to a consistent level. United released a number of players in the summer and those under the age of 19 were retained. It is possible that Bernard was in that category and United are just seeking to ensure they find him a club to move to so he can continue his footballing career.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Academy, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ratings: McTominay and Lindelof did well, at times; Young, Pogba and Jones poor in Huddersfield embarrassment

5 May 2019 by

Manchester United drew 1-1 with already-relegated Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League. Scott McTominay opened the scoring for United but an Isaac Mbenza equaliser placed yet more embarrassment on the Old Trafford club who have missed out on UEFA Champions League football next season.

United started well against Huddersfield and took charge of the fixture in the eighth minute. Scott McTominay opened the scoring after United won a free-kick with the academy graduate getting forward before picking up the ball. He then got around Terence Kongolo before laying off his strike, which struck the legs of Jonas Lossl before bulging into the bottom corner.

It was a dire affair and United just did not seem up for taking this already relegated side to the cleaners. On the hour mark, Isaac Mbenza scored the equaliser for Huddersfield after Lossl played the ball upfield, getting the assist. David De Gea will not be happy with himself once again for such a poor goal to concede. United need to find some answers this summer.

Match Statistics:

Goals: Isaac Mbenza 60′; Scott McTominay 8′

Assists: Jonas Lossl 60′

Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Jones, Lindelof (Dalot 83′), Shaw; McTominay, Matic (Herrera 53′), Pogba; Mata; Rashford, Sanchez (Chong 54′)

Substitutes Not Used: Grant; Smalling; Pereira, Fred

Bookings: Jonas Lossl 90+4′; Phil Jones 33′

Manchester United

1 David De Gea

The Spanish number one made a good save, with his feet, in the first half of the match but soon saw another goal conceded this season after Isaac Mbenza found the equaliser. The goalkeeper will not be happy with that conceded goal or United’s current poor form.

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18 Ashley Young

He is not THE problem at the club but he is one of the constants. Too old. Too slow. Poor in possession and seems to be struggling at every aspect in the game recently. What would most clubs do in this instance? Let him go. What did United do? Signed him for another year!

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4 Phil Jones

The fact that this guy is still playing football at this level is surprising. Injury prone, poor in possession, even in position the majority of the time. He looks like a fan of the club who won a competition to play in the heart of defence.

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2 Victor Lindelof

The Swedish international had a much better game than he did in the same stadium last season. He was solid for the majority of the time he spent on the pitch. He more than made up for his partners defensive errors, of which there were many of. Would be so much better alongside a commanding defender who has leadership ability. Seemed to have a knock and was replaced by Diogo Dalot in the 83rd minute.

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23 Luke Shaw

The England left-back has had a good season, one which was largely injury free - a change for him. Against Huddersfield, his forward plays lacked everything needed in a positional and creative sense. He lost the ball halfway up the pitch which turned into the equaliser.

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39 Scott McTominay

The 22-year-old opened the scoring for United, running into the box before collecting the ball and launching his shot towards goal. It was his second goal of the season. He was one of the few players who stood out, seemed to want to get stuck in and drive United but he could not carry the dead weight of those who did not want the same, of which there seemed to be many.

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31 Nemanja Matic

Won possession from the Huddersfield players quite often, when they were pushing to break through United’s midfield. However, he seemed out of his depth late in the first half and was replaced by Ander Herrera eight minutes into the second half.

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6 Paul Pogba

Not good enough today. Not good enough for much of the season. Yes, he has scored goals this season but that does not mean he deserves any special treatment. He’s his own worst enemy at times. Against Huddersfield, he played like he just did not care about the club, the result or the part he has played in this poor season. Should have been left on the bench.

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8 Juan Mata

The Spanish attacking midfielder started well against Huddersfield, playing some smart passes and making United look like they were much better than they were. However, his influence in the game soon died and United were in a position that they did not have the skill or ability to get back out of.

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10 Marcus Rashford

A player with so much skill and talent devoid of form and ability. Marcus Rashford has not really looked all that great since that victory over PSG in March. Something needs to give and for me, that would be a rest starting now. United have nothing to aim for this season so they don’t need to add to Rashford’s problems.

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Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean has earned a lot of money in his short time at United, if reports of his wage structure are true. However, apart from emptying the coffers of the club, he will not be remembered for much. He seems to be a player on the decline. He did have some good moments against Huddersfield but another injury ended his game, maybe his season but almost certainly his United career.

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Substitutes

21 Ander Herrera

Replaced Matic 53'. Should have started the match but I can see why he didn’t because of the injury he’s just come back from. He looked to grab the game by the balls, trying to show some fight. To think that Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young have been kept and Herrera could leave shows you how badly this club is being run right now.

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Tahith Chong

Replaced Sanchez 54'. The 19-year-old seemed to be put of his depth at times but that did not stop him from trying. It’s clear he’s a player with talent but lacking experience. Every little helps. I admire him for the confidence he had shown against Huddersfield, even forcing a save from Jonas Lossl.

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Diogo Dalot

Replaced Lindelof 83'. The Portuguese teenager did not have much time to create an impact in the game. Should have started the match as he offers more than Ashley Young does. Hopefully he starts next weekend.

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Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed Starting XI: Mata, Rashford and Sanchez on the attack; Chong and Herrera on the bench against Huddersfield Town

5 May 2019 by

Manchester United face Huddersfield Town this afternoon in their final away match of the Premier League season. United have managed just one win and one draw in their last six matches, losing the other four. Huddersfield has lost their last six matches and risks a ninth successive defeat if the real United turn up, which is a worry.

After Tottenham Hotspur lost to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, United still have a chance to make up some ground, as long as they beat Huddersfield. Chelsea faces Watford at the same time, so if the London club drop points, United could well be in a much better position. Arsenal also face Brighton and Hove Albion later this afternoon, so more dropped points there could be good news for United, however, they should be reliant upon themselves, noth other teams to do them a favour.

Huddersfield has scored just 20 goals this season, one of them an own goal, conceding more (21) in their last six matches. United has scored just three goals in their last six matches, so need to lace up their scoring boots and work hard in each match left to play. Youth might be given a chance with injuries rocking United again.

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Young, Jones, Lindelof, Shaw;

McTominay, Matic, Pogba;

Mata, Rashford, Sanchez

Substitutes:

Grant; Smalling, Dalot; Pereira, Fred, Herrera; Chong

Two matches left to play then the season is over for United. Ever since the Paris Saint-Germain victory, the players have not been at their best. The media and pundits who are trying to make a name for themselves have naturally blamed the manager, however, it is the players who are the useless ones. They have scored once in their last four matches, three times in the last six!

Huddersfield Town is a team in poorer form than United at this current time. Eight defeats in a row since their last win, back in February. The club has already been relegated to the Championship but they will need to play for pride if they have any left. Against this United squad though, they will probably play like Barcelona and cause more embarrassment.

Manchester United and Huddersfield Town have played 49 competitive matches. United has won the most matches with 23 victories, drawing 15 and losing 11. United lost this fixture 2-1 last season, only winning at the John Smith’s stadium in the FA Cup. Since the defeat last season, United are unbeaten against Huddersfield in their last three matches.

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

How Manchester United could look Tahith Chong, Diogo Dalot, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez in a 4-3-3 formation against Huddersfield Town

4 May 2019 by

Manchester United will travel to face Huddersfield Town on Sunday afternoon in their final away match of the Premier League season. United have managed just one win and one draw in their last six matches, losing the other four. Huddersfield has lost their last six matches and risk a ninth successive defeat if the real United turn up, which is a worry.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a lot of work to do between now and the start of pre-season. Finishing on a high will be his major wish but it is no longer in United’s hands. United will need to win their last two matches and hope other results finish in their favour, despite the teams around them not winning recently, of which United did not take advantage of, again.

Huddersfield has scored just 20 goals this season, one of them an own goal, conceding more (21) in their last six matches. United has scored just three goals in their last six matches, so need to lace up their scoring boots and work hard in each match left to play. Youth might be given a chance with injuries rocking United again.

Manchester United and Huddersfield Town have played 49 competitive matches. United has won the most matches with 23 victories, drawing 15 and losing 11. United lost this fixture 2-1 last season, only winning at the John Smith’s stadium in the FA Cup. Since the defeat last season, United are unbeaten against Huddersfield in their last three matches.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

David De Gea has been in poor form for a while now and he needs to start overcoming that. Whether his head has been turned or that his contractual battle with the club has ground him down, we may find out in the summer. Sergio Romero is injured so De Gea will start against Huddersfield, which could help build his confidence back up ahead of the final match of the season. There is a chance it could be his last at the club unless he will sign a new contract in the summer.

Defence: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw

Diogo Dalot should feature at right-back for the final two matches of the season. It will give him the experience to become a starter next season and therefore will be good for him. Luke Shaw should keep his place at left-back. Victor Lindelof is the only available player with minutes under his belt at this moment in time and perhaps his partner in defence could be Marcos Rojo, being that both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are on the sidelines, again. Lee O’Connor could be on the bench though, which could be good for him.

Midfield: Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata

Paul Pogba was not pictured in training this week, which may be something or nothing. Based on this, I have not included him in the team. He would not be a big loss in all honesty. Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay and Juan Mata could all provide the cover in a three-man midfield and Angel Gomes could replace Mata later in the match. United needs to test themselves without Pogba, as I don’t think he wants to be at this club. United need players who do.

Forwards: Tahith Chong, Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez

I think Marcus Rashford will be fit enough to lead the line for United. Romelu Lukaku will most likely be out of this match based on his hamstring injury. Tahith Chong should start the game on the right wing, adding pace and width. I feel he could play well with Diogo Dalot, who should feature at right-back. Alexis Sanchez should start over Anthony Martial, who has not really put much effort into his game for months.

Substitutes: Lee Grant; Matteo Darmian, Lee O’Connor; Juan Mata, Fred, Angel Gomes; Anthony Martial

As Sergio Romero is injured, Lee Grant should be available on the bench, if not Alex Fojticek or Matej Kovar could fill that void. Matteo Darmian is back from injury and Lee O’Connor has been training with the first team ahead of this match. Juan Mata, Fred and Angel Gomes could also play a part in the game. Anthony Martial, if available, should be on the bench based on the lack of effort in his game for months now.

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Previews, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preview: The real Manchester United will need to turn up against Huddersfield or risk more embarrassment!

4 May 2019 by

Huddersfield Town -v- Manchester United

Premier League

John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield

Sunday 5 May 2019; KO 14:00 BST

Referee: Lee Mason

Manchester United will travel to face Huddersfield Town on Sunday afternoon in their final away match of the Premier League season. United have managed just one win and one draw in their last six matches, losing the other four. Huddersfield has lost their last six matches and risks a ninth successive defeat if the real United turn up, which is a worry.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a lot of work to do between now and the start of pre-season. Finishing on a high will be his major wish but it is no longer in United’s hands. United will need to win their last two matches and hope other results finish in their favour, despite the teams around them not winning recently, of which United did not take advantage of, again.

Huddersfield has scored just 20 goals this season, one of them an own goal, conceding more (21) in their last six matches. United has scored just three goals in their last six matches, so need to lace up their scoring boots and work hard in each match left to play. Youth might be given a chance with injuries rocking United again.

Form: United’s form is dire but Huddersfield are in a much worse position. It is now time for the real United to stand up and hold themselves accountable for another poor season!

Manchester United: DLLLWL

Chelsea 1-1 D, Manchester City 2-0 L, Everton 4-0 L, Barcelona 3-0 L, West Ham United 2-1 W, Barcelona 1-0 L

Two matches left to play then the season is over for United. Ever since the Paris Saint-Germain victory, the players have not been at their best. The media and pundits who are trying to make a name for themselves have naturally blamed the manager, however, it is the players who are the useless ones. They have scored once in their last four matches, three times in the last six!

Huddersfield Town: LLLLLL

Liverpool 5-0 L, Watford 2-1 L, Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 L, Leicester City 4-1 L, Crystal Palace 2-0 L, West Ham United 4-3 L

Huddersfield Town is a team in poorer form than United at this current time. Eight defeats in a row since their last win, back in February. The club has already been relegated to the Championship but they will need to play for pride if they have any left. Against this United squad though, they will probably play like Barcelona and cause more embarrassment.

Top Scorers: Huddersfield Town has scored just 20 goals this season and conceding 21 goals in their last six matches. United should be taking advantage of that with a performance we should be proud of!

Manchester United: 16 – Paul Pogba, 15 – Romelu Lukaku, 13 – Marcus Rashford, 12 – Anthony Martial, 6 – Juan Mata, 5 – Jesse Lingard, 3 – Ander Herrera, 2 – Marouane Fellaini, Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young, 1 – Fred, Victor Lindelof, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Andreas Pereira, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling

Huddersfield Town: 4 – Karlan Grant, 3 – Mathias Jorgensen, Aaron Mooy, 2 – Philip Billing, Steve Mounie, 1 – Juninho Bacuna, Terence Kongolo, Alex Pritchard, Christopher Schindler, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Own Goal

Team News: More injuries for United but Solskjaer has drafted in some youth to full the squad. Hopefully, some will get the chance with some players benched in their place.

Solskjaer currently has nine players on the sidelines through injury. Four of them seem to be ruled out of the match; Eric Bailly, Sergio Romero, Mason Greenwood (all knee) and Romelu Lukaku (hamstring), although the Belgian might feature. Marcus Rashford (shoulder), Chris Smalling (knock), Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones (both knee), and Antonio Valencia (muscle) will all be subject to a late fitness test.

Huddersfield Town manager Jan Siewert has four players to worry about with Laurent Depoitre (foot), Ben Hamer (knock), Mathias Jorgensen (illness), and Aaron Mooy (hip). It is suggested that Mooy could be fit for this match which really is the least of the Terriers worries as they are winless in two months and en route to a ninth consecutive defeat.

Predicted Starting XI: Solskjaer has to get the best from his squad of players. By now he should know who needs to be shown the door in the summer and which youth players are good enough for a squad place in his new United side!

Solskjaer had United purring when he first took over the club but soon after his announcement as the permanent manager, the attacking football stopped and players continued to coast through matches. This is not the identity that the Norwegian wants for United and he should not be letting the players beat them with their power. The hierarchy of the club need to back their manager, not the squad of egos.

Match Prediction: United need to start turning up for their matches, putting in the performances required of a club of this stature. We know they can play better which is why the ones now performing need to be shipped out in the summer, no matter who they are!!!

Manchester United and Huddersfield Town have played 49 competitive matches. United has won the most matches with 23 victories, drawing 15 and losing 11. United lost this fixture 2-1 last season, only winning at the John Smith’s stadium in the FA Cup. Since the defeat last season, United are unbeaten against Huddersfield in their last three matches.

Huddersfield Town 0-3 Manchester United

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Previews, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ratings: Paul Pogba was the Man of the Match against Huddersfield Town; Angel Gomes cameo was great for him…

26 December 2018 by

Manchester United beat Huddersfield Town 3-1 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Nemanja Matic scored the opening goal, then a brace by Paul Pogba in the second half. Zanka got a late consolation for the visitors in the 88th minute. Angel Gomes got himself ten minutes of first team football under his belt, which will be both beneficial to him and United. Bournemouth visits Old Trafford next…

It has been a good start to life at Old Trafford for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Two games, two wins, six points, eight goals scored but two conceded. It shows that there is still work to do at the Theatre of Dreams. United have talented players and that has started to show in the last two matches. When United are back to full strength with Romelu Lukaku back and firing, Anthony Martial doing his thing and Alexis Sanchez given a chance to show his worth, this team could be on point.

Paul Pogba was the MOTM in the victory over Huddersfield Town. He seems to have stepped up his game, showing more in the last 180 minutes of football than he has all season. It is a shame he decided to be anti-professional as that has left a bad taste in the mouth of many supporters, a bad taste that may never leave. However, as long as he performs 100% each game and continues to wear the shirt, he will be supporters by the Old Trafford faithful.

It was great to see Angel Gomes get ten minutes under his belt at Old Trafford. He’s played fewer than five minutes in two appearances previously, so this will help him continue on his quest for more first team football. The talent is there and it could be seen at U18, U19 and now at U23 level football. If he can continue to rise to the challenge, it may not be long before he is contending with other players for a place in the first team.

Manchester United

1 David De Gea

Pulled off a great save to deny Depoitre. Unable to keep a clean sheet, but as the win was in the bag, so were the three points.

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Diogo Dalot

Played an attacking game, his first under Solakjaer. Missed a sitter, which could have put United 2-0 up at the time. Was substituted early in the second half.

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2 Victor Lindelof

The Iceman has risen to the occasion this season. He provoked the flick which set Matic up to score his first goal of the season. Calm and assured in defence. As well as solid.

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4 Phil Jones

Solid in defence, just like Lindelof. Did what he needed to keep Depoitre at bay. If he can keep performing like this, also avoiding injury, it might be what United need at the back.

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23 Luke Shaw

Could have provided more attacking support for United as they really missed Martial today. He did what he needed to do at the right times though.

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17 Fred

Not convinced by the Brazilian yet. Booked in the first half and hooked in the second. Needs more time on the pitch to find his feet but with some of his play today, that is not going to buy him time.

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31 Nemanja Matic

The Serbian has been decent under Solskjaer. His form was tiring under Mourinho. His tap-in is what United needed today, to get them off the mark.

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8 Juan Mata

His passes were great today. Some of them carved Huddersfield open. Mata is the type of player needed to unlock the best of any team. Definitely a player to build the team around. A successor to Mata will also be needed, otherwise he's going to be a big loss when he's gone.

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6 Paul Pogba

MOTM. Two goals. A decent performance for the Frenchman. However, he needs to do this more often. Looks happy, which is a confidence builder. Only more to come from the Frenchman.

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14 Jesse Lingard

Played well with Pogba and Mata, all behind Rashford. He was lively but perhaps did not have the say in the game as he did against Cardiff. However, performing like that all the times requires a top level footballer. Lingard could get there.

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10 Marcus Rashford

His pace and skill had Huddersfield snookered at times. He is the best attacker at the club right now. He's in form and playing well and seemingly full of confidence. The rise of Rashford is going to be a great one.

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Substitutes

18 Ashley Young

Replaced Dalot 54'. The veteran got forward at times but never really created anything.

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21 Ander Herrera

Replaced Fred 54'. The Spanish midfielder did not get as much of the ball as he might have been expected to. He did set up Pogba's second goal with some good reading of the game.

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28 Angel Gomes

Replaced Mata 80'. Had a ten minute cameo. Forced a save from Lossl in his time on the pitch. Good to see him trusted with ore minutes on the pitch. This is the only way the young players learn. It will be a great feeling for him to take part in this new era of football at United.

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Goals: Nemanja Matic 28′, Paul Pogba 64′, 78′; Zanka 88′

Assists: Ander Herrera 64′, Jesse Lingard 78′; Steve Mounie 88′

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot (Young 54′), Lindelof, Jones, Shaw; Fred (Herrera 54′), Matic; Mata (Gomes 80′), Pogba, Lingard; Rashford

Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Bailly; Pereira, Fellaini

Bookings: Fred 30′; Elias Kachunga 22′

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Report: Nemanja Matic and a brace from Paul Pogba sank Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford on Boxing Day

26 December 2018 by

Manchester United beat Huddersfield Town 3-1 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Nemanja Matic scored the opening goal, then a brace by Paul Pogba in the second half. Zanka got a late consolation for the visitors in the 88th minute. Angel Gomes got himself ten minutes of first team football under his belt, which will be both beneficial to him and United. Bournemouth visits Old Trafford next…

United got the game underway with the kick off and immediately aimed to get forward and attack their opposition. Fred then gave the ball away in a poor position with Isaac Mbenza picking up the loose ball but his shot on goal was rising over the crossbar. Huddersfield had a good start in the opening stages, pressuring United high up the pitch, aiming to force errors. It was United that needed to be doing more of that in this game.

United had a better spell of possession heading into the sixth minute of the match. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was stood on the touchline pushing his side to drive them forward. A few minutes later, United were still in control of the ball, however, not in attacking areas, which is where they needed to be in order to take first blood. In the tenth minute, Jesse Lingard flicked the ball through for Juan Mata but he got too much on it and Jonas Lossl gathered the ball easily.

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Huddersfield had a chance in the 12th minute with Terence Kongolo on the end of a flick after a long throw seemed to have caused a problem in United’s area. Kongolo could only blaze his shot over the crossbar from six yards. United then started to play some better football after Fred picked out Mata, whose cross into Marcus Rashford was a little out of range with Rashford struggling to get his head on the ball. Lingard then picked up a loose ball but his eventual shot was straight to Lossl.

Alex Pritchard whipped in a decent free-kick in the 18th minute but Fred was standing in the way of the ball gaining ground and pressuring United. The Brazilian midfielder hooked the ball clear. United need to change gear and actually get going in this game. Huddersfield seems to have it in them to cause problems and their confidence will only grow as the game draws on. Mata then looked for Luke Shaw on the left but fired the ball out of play instead.

In the 22nd minute of the game, the first card was shown with Elias Kachunga taking Rashford out, earning one of the most obvious yellow cards of the season so far. United did not do anything with the free-kick and Huddersfield took possession of the ball. United did win a throw-in, able to then keep possession and launch an attack into the opposition area. Fred was starting to find comfort, passing the ball around in midfield, on the attack. However, Huddersfield were always quick to close the space down.

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Rashford played a backheel for Paul Pogba in the 26th minute of the match, a few minutes after the visiting supporters were asking “is this a library”. Pogba elected to shoot form a tight angle but it was just another easy save for Lossl. United won a free-kick in the 28th minute of the match but the ball is deflected and out for a corner. United managed to get something from the game from the set-piece with Nemanja Matic tapping the ball into an empty net inside the same minute. United were 1-0 up.

Fred was booked for a challenge in the 30th minute after a follow through. The Brazilian, despite showing some passing ability, has struggled in the game so far. I’m not sure he is Manchester United material. Huddersfield had a chance through Pritchard in the 32nd minute, from a free-kick, which was fired into the middle but Diogo Dalot headed clear at the back post. Pogba then had a chance to shoot, from ranger two minutes later, passing his first opportunity, taking the second, which was straight to Lossl.

Mbenza tried to dash down the right flank but the cross was poor which led to David De Gea coming out to gather the ball. Shaw then broke down the left, pulled the ball back for Mata, whose effort was goalbound by blocked behind for a corner. United nearly had a second in the 40th minute of the game after Rashford beat his man on the left, creating some space and then fired a cross into the box for Dalot, whose shot was wide of the target. It was some great play created by Rashford.

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In the 42nd minute of the match, Rashford had a go at goal himself but he dragged his shot off target. In the final minute of normal time, Dalot broke forward on the right, played a cross into the box which was punched clear by Lossl before it found a teammate. A minute of time was added at the end of the half, which United had dominated, despite a poor start. Huddersfield had a shot just before half-time, hitting the side netting. The first half ended with United 1-0 in the lead.

There were no changes for either team at the start of the second half. Huddersfield started well after Laurent Depoitre had an acrobatic effort which was never going to find the target. In the 49th minute, Rashford was fouled and stayed down with Huddersfield playing on, despite jeers from the crowd for the opposition players to put the ball out of play. Rashford seemed fine to continue though.

Huddersfield broke quickly in the 51st minute with Philip Billing feeding Depoitre, who cut inside. Mbenza arrived, took the ball off his teammate before firing a fierce effort on goal which was blocked by Matic. Huddersfield then had another chance a minute later after Pritchard fed the ball for Kachunga but the final ball flew over the crossbar. Solskjaer had seen enough and put through a double substitution with Fred and Dalot being replaced by Ander Herrera and Ashley Young.

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David Wagner made his first substitution in the 56th minute with Chris Lowe on for Kachunga. Matic threaded a lovely pass into Rashford in the 58th minute but his strike was blocked by the visitors. In the 60th minute, Young fired a free-kick into the middle by Pogba was unable to get his head on the ball and it went out of play for a goal kick. De Gea was forced to make a save in the 62nd minute after a flicked effort from Depoitre which seemed to be heading for the top corner.

Huddersfield made a second substitution in the 64th minute with Colin Quaner replacing Mbenza. United doubled their lead in the same minute as Pogba buried his effort into the back of the net after Mata kept the ball in the box, Herrera kept the ball in the box, passing to Pogba to get the assist. It was a great team goal for United and one they needed to get into the back of the net to take the pressure off them. Could there be another goal in the game yet?

Shaw had a fierce strike on goal in the 68th minute but it was straight to Lossl with United still on the hunt for a third goal in this game. There is plenty of time for United to get something, also time for Angel Gomes to be given a rare opportunity with no other attacking players on the bench. In the 70th minute, Phil Jones made a timely interception with Quaner lurking in the area with intent to get something back for the visitors, however, that was not coming.

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Huddersfield had another opportunity after both Shaw and Lingard made a mess of clearing the ball but they got away with it. Quaner failed to capitalise. In the 74th minute, Wagner made his final substitution with Depoitre being replaced by Steve Mounie. United slowed the game down in the 76th minute after some pressure from the visitors. Pogba made it 3-0 with a great strike into the back of the net, assisted by Lingard. Solskjaer then made his final substitution with Angel Gomes replacing Mata.

It is great to see 18-year-old Gomes get a few minutes under his belt at Old Trafford. He’s previously played around four minutes in two appearances, getting ten minutes today will help him further his career at the club, which will be great to see as he really does have bags of talent but needs to keep himself grounded at the same time. Huddersfield, after some pressure, got a consolation goal in the 88th minute of the match through Zanka.

Three minutes were played at the end of the second half. Rashford was still chasing everything down and sliding into challenges to win the ball in advanced areas. United failed to keep a clean sheet but the victory was theirs before Huddersfield scored. It was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first home win of the season, two wins in two so far. United will entertain Bournemouth at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday and after a massive 5-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, they might not look forward to it.

Goals: Nemanja Matic 28′, Paul Pogba 64′, 78′; Zanka 88′

Assists: Ander Herrera 64′, Jesse Lingard 78′; Steve Mounie 88′

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot (Young 54′), Lindelof, Jones, Shaw; Fred (Herrera 54′), Matic; Mata (Gomes 80′), Pogba, Lingard; Rashford

Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Bailly; Pereira, Fellaini

Bookings: Fred 30′; Elias Kachunga 22′

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed Starting XI: Rashford leads the line, supported by Mata, Pogba and Lingard; Gomes on the bench against Huddersfield Town

26 December 2018 by

Manchester United return to Old Trafford today, this time facing Huddersfield Town in the Premier League. This will be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s second match in charge of the club, as the interim manager, his first at the Theatre of Dreams. At the weekend, United beat Cardiff City, Solskjaer’s former club (as manager) 5-1 with Cardiff’s consolation goal from the penalty spot. It was a great game of attacking football for United, and are we so glad to see that again after two and a half years of defensive football.

Huddersfield Town has been a tough club for United since coming into the Premier League last season. The first match, at the John Smith’s Stadium, was a shock 2-1 defeat for United. At Old Trafford, goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez saw United victorious. A return to the John Smith’s Stadium followed this time in the Emirates FA Cup with United winning 2-0 again with a brace from Lukaku.

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Dalot, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw;

Fred, Matic;

Mata, Pogba, Lingard;

Rashford

Substitutes:

Romero; Bailly, Young; Pereira, Herrera, Fellaini, Gomes

United have met Huddersfield Town 48 times with United winning 22 times, drawing 15 times and losing just 11 times. The last defeat was in October last season. Before that, bearing in mind that before last season, the last time the two clubs faced each other was in 1972, the last defeat goes all the way back to 1952. In the last three recent matches, United have won two and lost once. Solskjaer and his team will need to make that three wins later today.

United will play again in four days, against Bournemouth at Old Trafford before travelling to Newcastle United on Wednesday 2 January 2019. After that, a third-round clash in the Emirates FA Cup, against Reading at Old Trafford will be forthcoming. The easier period of matches will be at an end with Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on the horizon. United will have some time to build momentum and turn their poor season into a much better one. Come on UNITED!

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ratings: Lukaku MOTM in Huddersfield victory; Mata did well too

17 February 2018 by

Manchester United beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday evening. It was Romelu Lukaku who scored both goals – the first in the third minute of the match, the second ten minutes into the second half. Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez assisted the goals. United could have scored another with Mata finding the back of the net at the end of the first half but VAR ruled it out.

Key Moments:

3′ Juan Mata found some space and passed a well-weighted ball to Romelu Lukaku, who beat his man, brushing him aside with ease, firing his shot into the corner of the net. United were 1-0 to the good inside three minutes.

45′ Juan Mata rolled the ball into the back of the net, which was empty after rounding Jonas Lossl. The linesman did not raise his flag but after a minute or so a VAR decision was made and the goal was disallowed as Mata’s knee was offside.

45+4′ Alexis Sanchez won a free-kick for United which resulted in Nemanja Matic volleying the ball into the back of the net – but the goal was the second in a few minutes to be ruled for offside.

55′ Romelu Lukaku scored his second goal of the game and his 21st goal of the season. Alexis Sanchez threaded a superb ball through to the Belgian, who kept his cool and slotted his shot past the Huddersfield goalkeeper.

90+3′ Eric Bailly made his long-awaited return to action after four months out of the game, replacing Romelu Lukaku but only having one touch of the ball, which is not really a problem. The main thing being Jose Mourinho has another defensive option as the UEFA Champions League returns on Wednesday.

Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku

In a week where so-called United supporters were calling for Romelu Lukaku to be benched, sold even sacked, on social media anyway, the Belgian showed his class yet again to score a brace to see United earn a place in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup this season. Lukaku did not have the best of games early on, but when it mattered he broke forward twice to score the much-needed goals.

Lukaku has now scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, the same amount of goals as Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette combined. Lukaku has been a decent goalscorer this season as United have improved severely with him and other players this season. The media will tell you different though as United have not improved and are still rubbish. Now is the time to support your team.

Match Statistics:

Manchester United

22 Sergio Romero

The Argentinian had a few moments which were quite nervy early in the first half. Kept a clean sheet though and had little to do for much of the game.

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18 Ashley Young

The player did not break forward as much as Valencia does. Not sure he's what Mourinho should be utilising after this season. United will have a better option in Fosu-Mensah. Played a good role in breaking forward for Mata's disallowed VAR goal.

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2 Victor Lindelof

The Swedish defender looked nervous but he last played some time ago. He's a ball playing defender and needs to get more time to build his confidence. Could partner Bailly well and together they could be just what United need.

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Chris Smalling

Played a lot better than he did against Newcastle last weekend. Put in a few important interventions. The back four seemed very nervy, which needs to change.

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23 Luke Shaw

Huddersfield made a lot of their changes through Shaw's position. Needs to play much better to cement his place in United's defence. He's the best left-back United have (the only left-back even). Should play ahead of Young.

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31 Nemanja Matic

The Serbian's passing was not the greatest but he did what was needed throughout the match. Could probably do with a rest but with Sevilla and Chelsea coming up, it may not be in the next week.

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16 Michael Carrick

A decent match by the club captain. Found his teammates with passes but United lacked some fluidity which Carrick will not be happy with.

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39 Scott McTominay

The Academy graduate worked hard and seemed up for this challenge. After Lukaku's opening goal, he seemed to want to get stuck into the match again, cutting the celebration short. He has the world at his feet but needs to find consistency to keep a permanent place in this team.

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8 Juan Mata

Played the ball to assist Lukaku's opener with a sublime ball. Scored a great second goal, but because of his patela, it was ruled offside by VAR, somewhat controversially.

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Romelu Lukaku

Man of the Match. His positioning before each goal was great. Scored his 20th and 21st goal for United this season - the same as Morata and Lacazette combined. Some United fans wanted him sold last weekend. The guy is class.

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Alexis Sanchez

rIt was a quiet first half for Sanchez and he left Shaw exposed at times, which is why Huddersfield were attacking on that side of the pitch. Had a better second half and played the ball for Lukaku's second goal.

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Substitutes

9 Anthony Martial

Replaced Sanchez 76'. Had a cameo. I think he will start against Sevilla on Wednesday. Got forward and tried to stretch Huddersfield but the game was already won before the substitutions.

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14 Jesse Lingard

Replaced Mata 80'. Came on for the last ten minutes. Did not change the gave but got involved.

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3 Eric Bailly

Replaced Lukaku 90+3'. Came on late replacing the Belgian who scored a brace in the match. Touched the ball once but his return means a lot more than his cameo this evening.

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Goals: Romelu Lukaku 3′, 55′

Assists: Juan Mata 3′, Alexis Sanchez 55′

Manchester United: Romero; Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw; Matic, Carrick, McTominay; Mata (Lingard 80′), Lukaku (Bailly 90+3), Sanchez (Martial 76′)

Substitutes Not Used: Pereira; Darmian; Gomes, Hamilton

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Report: Romelu Lukaku fires Manchester United into the FA Cup quarter final

17 February 2018 by

Manchester United beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday evening. It was Romelu Lukaku who scored both goals – the first in the third minute of the match, the second ten minutes into the second half. Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez assisted the goals. United could have scored another with Mata finding the back of the net at the end of the first half but VAR ruled it out.

Jose Mourinho made many changes to his side after the defeat to Newcastle United last weekend. Sergio Romero replaced David De Gea, Ashley Young replaced Antonio Valencia, Victor Lindelof came in for Phil Jones, Luke Shaw came in at left-back – previously held by Young.

Michael Carrick replaced Paul Pogba as Nemanja Matic’s partner. Scott McTominay replaced Jesse Lingard. Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Sanchez would lead the attack. Mourinho also included Joel Pereira on the bench alongside both Angel Gomes and Ethan Hamilton, who both played last night.

United started the game well and were looking regain some form after the defeat to Newcastle last weekend. United took first blood in the game with Romelu Lukaku scoring in the third minute of the match. Juan Mata found some space, rolled a weighted ball to the Belgian with Lukaku beating his man, striking his shot into the corner of the net. Just a start United and Mourinho needed.

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Three minutes later Huddersfield had a chance through Tom Ince but he struck his shot too early and pulled it across the face of the goal. Huddersfield then started to pin United back in their own half, seemingly looking for a response from conceding the early goal. United then settled into the rhythm of the game with Michael Carrick starting to orchestrate his side.

United again started to become the second-best side in the game with Huddersfield getting forward, pressuring Luke Shaw in the home sides right-hand side of the pitch. Huddersfield had four shots in goal in the opening 15 minutes of the match with United having one and scoring it. United had a good chance in the 25th minute with Sanchez and Mata combining but it came to nothing.

In the 33rd minute of the match, United were being pressured again with Matic and Carrick getting moved all over the pitch with Huddersfield picking up the ball with Philip Billings from 30-yards and launching his effort towards the top corner with Romero making the catch look like an easy one. A few minutes later there was a bit of a lull in the game.

With four minutes of the half remaining, Sanchez tried to clip the ball into the path of Mata but the danger was cleared by the hosts. United scored a second through Mata in the last minute of the half and the linesman did not flag it up. A VAR decision was made and the goal was ruled out for offside as Mata’s knee was offside. United were still 1-0 to the good.

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Four minutes of stoppage time were played at the end of the first half, Matic volleyed Sanchez’s free-kick but it was another goal not given because of offside. United could have been three goals to the good at the end of the first half, not that it would be a deserved lead. Still, United went into the break 1-0 up and with all to play for in the second half.

At the start of the second half, there were no changes by either team. United broke forward but then Huddersfield attacked United’s half. In the 50th minute of the match, the home side won a free-kick at the edge of the box. Tom Ince took the free-kick but United cleared the threat with the home side pressuring with United making a block in the box to deny an attempt at an equaliser.

United scored their second goal of the game in the 55th minute of the match with Lukaku scoring his 21st goal of the season for his club. Huddersfield had played a high-line throughout the match and it was the second time they got caught out. Sanchez threaded a lovely pass to the Belgian, who stayed cool and put his low effort past the Huddersfield goalkeeper.

United had started to take more control of the game inside the last twenty minutes with Huddersfield seemingly starting to tire. In the 76th minute of the match, Mourinho made his first change with Anthony Martial replacing Sanchez. United made their second change in the 80th minute of the match with Jesse Lingard replacing Juan Mata.

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Huddersfield had the chance to get back into the game in the 84th minute of the match but United cleared the effort. United were seemingly though to the quarter-final draw, which will take place immediately after the match. Mourinho was readying Eric Bailly, who had returned to fitness ahead of this game after missing the last four or so months of action.

Bailly replaced Lukaku three minutes into stoppage time, making his long-awaited return to action which will boost Mourinho’s defensive options ahead of the important UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg away to Sevilla on Wednesday evening. United will find out who they will face on the quarter-final of the Emirates FA Cup shortly.

Key Moments:

3′ Juan Mata found some space and passed a well-weighted ball to Romelu Lukaku, who beat his man, brushing him aside with ease, firing his shot into the corner of the net. United were 1-0 to the good inside three minutes.

45′ Juan Mata rolled the ball into the back of the net, which was empty after rounding Jonas Lossl. The linesman did not raise his flag but after a minute or so a VAR decision was made and the goal was disallowed as Mata’s knee was offside.

45+4′ Alexis Sanchez won a free-kick for United which resulted in Nemanja Matic volleying the ball into the back of the net – but the goal was the second in a few minutes to be ruled for offside.

55′ Romelu Lukaku scored his second goal of the game and his 21st goal of the season. Alexis Sanchez threaded a superb ball through to the Belgian, who kept his cool and slotted his shot past the Huddersfield goalkeeper.

90+3′ Eric Bailly made his long-awaited return to action after four months out of the game, replacing Romelu Lukaku but only having one touch of the ball, which is not really a problem. The main thing being Jose Mourinho has another defensive option as the UEFA Champions League returns on Wednesday.

Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku

In a week where so-called United supporters were calling for Romelu Lukaku to be benched, sold even sacked, on social media anyway, the Belgian showed his class yet again to score a brace to see United earn a place in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup this season. Lukaku did not have the best of games early on, but when it mattered he broke forward twice to score the much-needed goals.

Lukaku has now scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, the same amount of goals as Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette combined. Lukaku has been a decent goalscorer this season as United have improved severely with him and other players this season. The media will tell you different though as United have not improved and are still rubbish. Now is the time to support your team.

Match Statistics:

Goals: Romelu Lukaku 3′, 55′

Assists: Juan Mata 3′, Alexis Sanchez 55′

Manchester United: Romero; Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw; Matic, Carrick, McTominay; Mata (Lingard 80′), Lukaku (Bailly 90+3), Sanchez (Martial 76′)

Substitutes Not Used: Pereira; Darmian; Gomes, Hamilton

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

copyright: JW