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Man United would eventually lose 3-1 to Arsenal yesterday, though the result didn’t tell the whole story. What did we learn from the game?
Erik ten Hag and Manchester United would lose 3-1 on Super Sunday, though the game itself was far more competitive than that. For large stretches, the Red Devils were certainly in control.
At the time, it was super frustrating to lose in that manner. However, we’ve now had some time to let the dust settle and there are some positives to take away from the encounter.
Sure, it wasn’t all great, with some obvious problems still there for all to see. I’m just saying it’s not all doom and gloom and there are some good things that United and Ten Hag can take forward.
Anyway, let’s get right into it.
Rasmus Hojlund cameo was impressive
The young man came on and the game swung in United’s favour instantly. He was manhandling Gabriel at the back and causing problems due to his pace and strength.
On another day, he would’ve been awarded a penalty for being rugby-tackled to the ground by the aforementioned Gabriel. It just wasn’t to be.
He looked good and showed some encouraging signs. He has to start against Brighton in a fortnight.
Injuries continue to be a problem
I’m not sure what’s going on in training. Or whether it’s just sheer bad luck, but United are not being helped by injury problems right now. They were already without several key faces for the game yesterday. They’d lose two more players during the match.
Both Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez had to go off. Leaving Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire as the duo that finished the game at centre-back. Honestly, this is the main reason why we lost as the pair just didn’t instil confidence on the rest of the team.
United absolutely don’t get all the decisions
Contrary to what rival fans like to believe, United do not get all the decisions in their favour. We’ve briefly discussed the blatant foul in the penalty area on Hojlund, while the offside is anything but clear-cut. I thought the benefit of the doubt was supposed to go to the attacker…?
The lines do not seem straight on the VAR decision and at the moment the pass is released, Alejandro Garnacho absolutely looks onside to me. It was gutting when this one was ruled out…
Erik ten Hag feeling the pressure?
He came out in his post-match interview on the offensive. He’d blame the refs for not spotting a few decisions. He’s absolutely correct, but the gaffer looked like he was feeling it a little bit.
You also heard his attack on Jadon Sancho’s training performance. It’s unlike the Dutchman to call out his players publicly. Sancho would respond on social media, which wasn’t smart…
United were better than the full-time result suggested
I may sound biased here but that was genuinely United’s best display of the season so far. I know it’s a low bar but I actually thought they executed the gameplan well and Ten Hag coached a win. Sadly, it wasn’t to be and United didn’t get the rub of the green.
I just hope the lads can take heart from the display, before going on a good run and stringing some victories together.
What did you make of the performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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