European Masterclass from United

 Matchweek two of the Champions League pitted Manchester United against last season’s semi-finalists, RB Leipzig. After another fresh wave of criticism crashing down on the team from a meek goalless draw against Chelsea, United turned on the style for a resounding first win of the season at Old Trafford. Nobody would have foreseen a comfortable 5–0 hammering of the German team, an emerging force in European football and the current Bundesliga leaders. We inflicted on them their biggest defeat in Europe. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5BOdcpqrf4

After matches such as this, there isn’t much for me to write about but the following is my analysis:

Solksjaer Displaying His Tactical Nous

Once again in Europe, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer out-witted a contemporary tactically. He doesn’t get much credit for his tactics but his choices in resting some players like Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes while introducing Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood were vindicated. A change in the usual midfield and forward set-up helped nullify Leipzig. A further change in the second half with the fresh introduction of McTominay, Rashford and Fernandes from the bench changed the complexion of the game as Leipzig were blown out of the water.

The First Half

Mason Greenwood was typically efficient. He scored with his first shot on target. It could have been flagged for offside but the use of VAR is exponentially better anywhere outside of England. The replays showed he was onside when the ball was played. It was a very close decision but fortunately, it went for us. After conceding that goal, Leipzig cranked up the pressure. They were very good with their high press and high-intensity style and camped in our half, making it hard for us to play out from the back. I felt we could have done better in possession as we were guilty of releasing it back cheaply. But overall, we kept Leipzig away at an arm’s length.

Players Performance

Fred had an immense game, turning in another industrious performance. If there is an area he can improve on, it would be his passing. It was wasteful at times. Matic used all his experience and nous, reading the game well to break up play and was tidy in possession. Pogba was looking sharp as he looked to take on the opponents and drive forward with the ball. Martial was drawing fouls off the opponents to break up their momentum. The usual back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were immense. The introduction of McTominay, Rashford and Fernandes brought fresh energy at the right time.

The Rashford Show

Rashford’s first goal was also very close with the VAR rightly judging in our favour as he sprung their high line of defence with a run from our half. Leipzig collapsed after that and had no answer to our forays forward as we picked them off and scored three more goals. Rashford looked razor sharp in front of goal for the first time in a long time. He became the first United substitute to score a hat-trick since his manager in 1999. It would have been nice for Edinson Cavani to get off the scoresheet but he has to wait for another game.

How will United respond from this high? The selection of players and formation will be key for the next match, another big one against Arsenal in the league. Squad rotation will be imperative as we chase for vital points in the league.