Manchester City continue to have fun in the Premier League. In the last match at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (11/11), it was Manchester United’s turn to be ‘The Citizens’ toy. Manchester City under Pep Guardiola really demonstrated football that attacked and invited admiration. Manchester City took to the field not only to seek victory, but also to show entertainment.
Meanwhile Manchester United came to the Etihad Stadium with a mission to steal points, whether it’s one or three. Victory at Juventus headquarters became the asset to believe in this fight.
Seeing the formation revealed by Jose Mourinho, it is clear ‘The Special One’ is aiming for a counterattack to be able to score against the opponent’s goal. The trio of players with fast legs, Jese Lingard-Marcus Rashford-Anthony Martial, are put on the front lines.
Meanwhile for the midfield position, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic, and Marouane Fellaini trio are expected to be able to go down to help defend and destroy the dominance of possession by Manchester City. But Mourinho’s plan was broken in the 12th minute through a goal by David Silva. Silva’s goal illustrates the poor coordination of the ‘Red Devils’ defense in the match. There are seven Manchester United players in the penalty box but cannot properly guard four Manchester City players in the dangerous area.
Raheem Sterling’s cross to the far post was forwarded by Bernardo Silva to the face of the goal. Of the many players, none of them followed David Silva’s movements. As a result, the Spaniard easily released a hard kick from close range
Manchester City’s second goal created by Sergio Aguero also showed the weakness of Manchester United’s back line. Bait one-two Aguero with Riyad Mahrez ended with a hard right-footed shot from a tight angle.
With two goals down, Mourinho then decided to enter Romelu Lukaku to replace Lingard. This decision was right because Lukaku received a penalty for Manchester United. Anthony Martial managed to fulfill his duties as an executor well. When Manchester United got the momentum to get up, they couldn’t even give a positive reaction. Marouane Fellaini and friends could not have long mastered the ball and created attacks.
The agile legs of Manchester City players make Manchester United can only continue to resist the attack. ‘Red Devils’ need a second goal but the ball is often rolling in their defense area. The chance for a failed Manchester City opportunity is the only reason Manchester United still maintains the opportunity to win points in this match. Despite dominating possession and spreading many threats, Aguero and his friends never got the third goal.
That hope ultimately made Mourinho put Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez in the 73rd minute. But Mata and Sanchez did not have a positive effect on the attacking performance of Manchester United. The ‘Red Devils’ clearly hope that in a set piece situation that might make them get the second goal because in the open attack scheme, Manchester United are truly helpless.
Manchester United’s hope finally vanished in the 86th minute. Manchester City’s third goal also shows the poor defense of Manchester United. Bernardo Silva’s pass makes Ilkay Guendogan free standing in front of the goal. Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof are not in the position where they should be.
David De Gea was not able to do much to dispel the ball so as not to enter the goal.
Reflecting on the performance of Manchester City’s opponents, Manchester United must avoid the same way of playing. ‘Red Devils’ proved to be not a solid team to survive so Mourinho realized that it was impossible for them to apply the defensive game pattern and rely on counterattacks. Manchester United have only recorded one shot on target in this match, namely Anthony Martial’s penalty kick. This note is a clear picture that Manchester United lost everything, both in terms of appearance and final results.
Mourinho must find a better strategy because if not they will only be back to being toy objects when meeting big teams.
