Battle Won But War Will Be Lost

Manchester is red and will always be, you better know it even if we struggle to win trophies and hit the heights we once were at. Manchester will always be known for United first. However, it’s with subdued happiness I greet Manchester United’s win over our neighbours, high-flyers, table-toppers, Manchester City. Why you may ask? That is because there is a feeling that we might have won the battle but will lose the war. It’s a feeling you can’t shrug off after one good win.  There is also the mental scarring that this team can produce this kind of stupendous performance but then alternate it in the next match with a polar opposite, horrendous display.

Great Performance, Deserved Win

We made a fantastic start to the match and scored within the first minute from the penalty spot. The good start lasted 10-15 minutes before Manchester City came into their own and started bossing possession. On that account, I would argue that we played better for longer in this fixture last season. After the first 10-15 minutes, we got sloppy in possession, carelessly giving away possession. Thankfully, City didn’t capitalise as they were unusually blunt in the final third, lacking precision with the final ball and their attempts were blocked by our defence. There were some close shaves. The match wouldn’t be complete without the usual errors in defence but once again, we can thank God that City was blunt. We scored our second out of nothing. A great move started and finished by Luke Shaw. Marcus Rashford should have shot at goal on two occasions but decided to pass and waste the chance. Anthony Martial had a clear opportunity as well but lacked conviction in his finish.

The Big Picture

It was a deserved win, we played well and ended City’s winning run of 21 consecutive matches. But in the long-term it means little. It reminded me of a time when United might lose in one-off matches to Liverpool or City but still end the season as champions. The objective for a team like United is to win trophies not just winning these big matches. As I have pointed out in my last article on United, we have had a meek record in big matches this season. I hope this result and performance can give the team belief and confidence to play better in other big matches. Getting back to the big picture, the difference in quality between us and City could be seen even in defeat. Every single City player looks comfortable on the ball while we have players that are so sloppy in possession and uncomfortable with the ball not least in midfield.

Needless Dropping Of Points

Another annoying sticking point is all the points we have needlessly dropped leading to this match. We cut the lead to City to 11 points with this win. That is equivalent to taking a mug of water from the ocean. City could do with a defeat like this now and then if they can maintain their great form otherwise. But we tend to drop points against anyone. We cannot be trusted and that reflects our weak mentality. The fault doesn’t just lie with the players. It extends to the coaching staff and manager as well.

What’s Next?

So what’s next? Europa League Round of 16 against AC Milan, another tough one coming up. I feel we can expect more of this. A great performance here, a good performance there, an average one and a poor one all within bursts of what is remaining of this season. Prove me wrong if you can United.