Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United made a little bit of history as they continued their impressive run of form.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba wrapped up a comfortable win at relegation-threatened Aston Villa.
They became the first team in Premier League history to win four consecutive matches by three goals or more; they may well also claim the unique distinction, due to the coronavirus, of becoming the first club to claim they have gone unbeaten in every calendar month of the year. Add to this a little moment of history for David De Gea as he surpassed Peter Schmeichel as United’s second-longest serving goalkeeper.
This – even if it wasn’t the best of recent weeks – was a seriously impressive performance from United which bodes well for the future. They are fantastic to watch. And that it is in spite of the accepted shortcomings and weaknesses in certain areas. In spite of squad depth. In spite of a relatively short time together with the new signings. In spite of occasional ring rust or disjointed link up play from the forwards. What we are seeing is good enough – the potential is frightening.
Solskjaer had clearly wrestled with the debate of freshening up the side or keeping momentum as it is. There can come a time where consistency gives way to predictability and, whilst there is an accepted general opinion that United’s squad depth isn’t the greatest, there is still enough quality to make one or two changes.
You could never accuse United of being plodding and predictable but it took them some time to get going and in that time, Aston Villa looked fairly comfortable on their own merit. They had the better of the opening ‘quarter’ with Jack Grealish lashing a volley wide. And, a minute after the drinks break, they hit the post through Trezeguet; Pogba’s loose control saw him caught in possession in an almost costly move for his team.
Sixty seconds later, though, and United had a penalty. Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have been fouled as he attempted a pirouette on the edge of the box. Jon Moss gave the kick; he might not have if he had gone to check the video replay from different angles, but the fourth official did not deem it a clear and obvious error. Fernandes scored comfortably from the spot.
Villa were still game but United now had a grip on the game and tried to squeeze a second goal. Greenwood tested Pepe Reina and Fernandes headed over from a good Shaw cross.
In first-half injury time there was enough time for some game-turning moments. First, Villa might have had a case for wanting Nemanja Matic, who was only cautioned, to be dismissed for a reckless challenge.
Seconds later, the hosts were punished in the worst way when United countered in menacing style. Fernandes fed Greenwood, who played in Martial. The French forward played it back to Greenwood, who caught the Villa defence committing the same sin as Bournemouth’s at the weekend – relaxing for a split second when he was on his right foot. Greenwood, as defences are learning, needs only a split second to wreak havoc. 2-0 with a very clever finish from outside the area.
United have become dab hands at killing off opponents of late and did so again early in the second half. Bruno Fernandes’ corner rolled to Pogba on the edge of the area, and the midfielder curled home a cute goal from 20 yards.
As the substitutes were inevitably made to keep the game fresh, United kept the tempo up even if they couldn’t add to the scoreline. But a 3-0 win was enough to put Champions League qualification in the club’s own hands.
Selection
It is becoming a precarious battle of freshness versus predictability; of clinical edge versus complacency. United’s front line are insatiable for goals at the moment. You can see with Paul Pogba’s desire to score and Anthony Martial’s frustration at being brought off. The balance is right at the minute and Solskjaer deserves credit again – but you get the feeling he might well make a change or two on Monday if only to keep the edge of that regular eleven to make them think they can’t just turn up to be guaranteed a start.
What isn’t perfect?
It’s not an intention to look for foibles in the side but let’s look at what could have gone better. Luke Shaw had a terrific game but it’s impossible to avoid the thought of how good it could have been if he was a better crosser.
United lacked no little intent even after making the changes but there is a slight concern over that drop in quality. It’s strong enough to see games out and permit a rest but clearly there is a greater hope for James, Ighalo and McTominay. Perhaps they are a little too anxious to impress since the resuming of play, and that’s understandable, given how sharply the quality seems to have improved. Football, though, is unforgiving, and improve they must. That is not to say United should have scored another three after they came on. But the standard is set. At least, for the first time in a while, there can be a little confidence about what is waiting in reserve instead of anxiety on and off the pitch.
Ratings :
De Gea 7
Wan-Bissaka 7
Lindelof 7
Maguire 7
Shaw 8
Matic 7
Pogba 8
Fernandes 7
Greenwood 8
Rashford 7
Martial 6
Subs :
Williams 6
McTominay 6
Fred 6
Ighalo
James
