The close of the International Break called back club football as Manchester United played Sheffield United on Sunday night. With their abysmal away performance this season, Manchester United approached the game in a defensive manner with a 5-2-3 formation. This happened to be a mistake made by Solskjaer as United conceded the first goal of the game and were dominated by Sheffield United in the first half. Phil Jones had started his first game for the reds this season and forced an error conceding the goal.

During halftime, Ole changed the tactics as United looked to change the circumstances of the game, running with 4-3-3 formation. However, 5 minutes into the first half and Manchester United looked to concede another goal as Mousset banged in the goal passed De Gea by 20 yards out.

With two goals down and 40 mins of play left, Manchester United put the pedal to the metal and started creating chances with Rashford, Martial and James. Their opening goal came in the 72′ minute with a beautiful cross-chip by Wan Bissaka left the ball at Brandon Williams’ feet who powered it passed the keeper. 2-1, and United were back in the game (that is of course Manchester United). Five minutes later, young Mason Greenwood followed in Rashford’s cross and Manchester United were on level terms. On the front foot now, United won the ball in their half and counter attacked Sheffield as the one-two between James and Martial created a scintillating pass for Rashford to tap it in. 2-3 and Manchester United completed the comeback.

Funny how Manchester United thought they’d won the game in the 79′ minute as football is a 90 minute game. Ole made his second mistake of the game by taking off Martial and putting on Tuanzebe. Not only that but now Rashford played the no.9 position and we all know how that goes. Sheffield looked to be the dominating team with the ball as they found the back of the net in the 90′ minute and when inspected by VAR for handball, McBurnie was given the green flag and the goal stood.

United were so close winning yet so far off. Its exciting to see where Ole takes this team against Villa next week with the team’s horrendous away calamity along with the profound injury list. Ole in or Ole out? We’ll Ole find out by giving him time.

Imad 27/11/19

Manchester United played Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, winning 3-1. With Ole’s managerial career at United questioned in its state, he had a point to prove with Martial coming back into the squad, providing a more stronger attack.

United dominated the game through the midfield and attack as they scored consecutively with Perreira scoring off a deflection and an own goal by Brighton’s defender, Propper.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford dominated United’s attack, creating many chances with Martial getting two assists and Rashford scoring a goal while also missing two sitters. United’s attack look revitalized compared to the game against Bournemouth as they had 11 shots at Brighton’s keeper. Daniel James provided the width for United from the right with Rashford coming in from the left and Martial making runs through the middle.

United play Sheffield United after the International break with Sheffield United on a run of good form and will be looking to provide problems for Manchester United.

Imad 14/11/19

United had an easy win over Norwich last night with a 3-1 score at full-time. McTominay, Rashford and Martial came on the scoreline.

Let’s see how every player did for United.

De Gea: 6/10

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10, Harry Maguire 7/10, Victor Lindelof 6/10, Ashley Young 6/10

Scott McTominay: 9/10, Fred: 8/10, Andreas Perreira: 6/10

Daniel James: 8/10, Marcus Rashford: 7/10, Anthony Martial: 7/10

Imad – 28/10/19

On Sunday night, Manchester United played Norwich at Carrow Road. With Ole under pressure to improve United’s away form woes, United came out hard and finished on a high with a 3-1 win against Norwich.

McTominay scored the opener with a thumping one touch shot from the edge of the box after a United corner and poor clearances from the Norwich defenders. Although it was not long after that United won a penalty when Daniel James went down in the Norwich City box after a challenge from Ben Godfrey. Debatable decision, Krul saved Rashford’s penalty shot at the bottom left corner. However, a minute later, a beautiful long ball from Daniel James from the far right saw Rashford one on one with Tim Krul who finished the chance precisely giving United a breather with a 2-0 lead.

With 4 minutes left to half-time, Fred lets fly. Cantwell, with his back turned, leaves an arm trailing sending the ball out for a corner. The United protest for a penalty and with the VAR check, United are given the green light to their second penalty of the game. Martial taking this one, aims for bottom right as Krul saves again. Norwich City players and fans ecstatic with their keeper keeping them in the game despite sloppy defending and challenges at the back. United go into half-time with a 2-0 lead.

In the 72′ minute, Norwich lose the ball in their half as Martial plays a double one-two with Rashford and clips the ball over the keeper from a tight angle. A superb goal from the man back from injury.

Norwich get a final constellation goal as the game finishes 1-3 in United’s favour.

Are United back in form? We definitely hope so as United fans. Despite two penalty misses, United were fierce in their attack and defence and looked to hold no mercy against Norwich. Solskjaer will be looking for ways to imrpove United’s penalty takers and who the penalty taker should be as the problem resurfaces and is recurring for United. Nonetheless, United will be positive in their hopes as they face Chelsea this week Wednesday in their Carabao Cup brawl at Stamford Bridge. United for the win? We definitely hope so.

Imad – 28/10/19

The Liverpool and Manchester United derby ended with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford this Sunday afternoon. United’s abysmal form in the premier league compared to Liverpool’s 8 win streak made the men from Liverpool favourites to win the derby. With Pogba and Martial being ruled out with injuries, United were left with Daniel James and Juan Mata for the attack.

The match begun with both sides going at each other. Firmino failed to capitalise from Liverpool’s counter attack in the opening minutes of the game, allowing De Gea for an easy save. However, it was not long after that in the 36′ minute that Lindelof won the ball from Origi which allowed Daniel James to run through the right flank and give a precise cross to Rashford who scored the opener of the game. Many Liverpool players argued with the ref over a potential foul on Origi by Lindelof and upon the review from VAR, the goal was given to United as they opened the scoring to the game, leaving the favourites to win the Premier League in shock.

However, Liverpool provided a quick response as Trent Alexander Arnold gave a feisty ball to Mane into United’s box who controlled it and scored. In disarray, the United players protested for the handball and reviewing the replay from VAR, it was a handball and the goal was denied. United went into halftime leading the Merseyside red’s by 1-0.

In the 85’minute of the game, Robertson played a ball into United’s box and with Lallana unmarked at the far post, a simple tap in allowed the reds to equalise the game ending the derby at full time with the scores 1-1.

A great response from the men in red from Manchester who fought a tough draw in the derby against league leaders after their horrendous form. The creativity in their plays backed up with their solid defense from their new 3-4-2-1 formation gave them width and depth in attack and defense. Has Ole found the cure to United’s disease? Who knows. However, it will be exciting to see where it takes us as a football club.

Imad

Manchester United played Newcastle United at ST. James’ Park this Monday in the Premier League. With Steve Bruce stating, ‘It is the best time to play Manchester United right now.’ Newcastle United ran away with the three points in an easy 1-0 win against the giants of the Premier League. A horrible display shown by United saw Sean Longstaff grab his debut goal in the 72′ minute as the ball flew past De Gea and into United’s net.

United lacked the individual flair and creativity in the midfield and questions will be asked for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if things remain the same. The worst start to a league campaign since the 1989 season, Ole had been optimistic with this young United side although it has proven to be otherwise.

United’s abysmal away performances since March have been horrendous with United picking up no wins. Lack of confidence and the lack luster performances do not help United’s case as they look to improve since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.

With key players including Pogba, Martial and Aaron Wan Bissaka out with injuries, United face Liverpool after the International Break as the fans expect for a better performance against their rivals and league leaders. Although, with the abysmal away form, United’s fate looks to be decided against Liverpool as Ole’s job is now in scrutiny.

United currently sit 2 points above the relegation zone and 15 points behind first place Liverpool. Will Liverpool be Ole’s downfall just like Mourinho? Who knows at this point.

Imad – 08/10/19