Manchester United will have to wait a bit longer for their first premier league win in the new campaign. The Red Devils drew 0-0 to an organized Burnley side at Turf Moor today, bringing their tally to just two points from three relatively easy games.
The man of the moment was Angel Di Maria who made his Manchester United debut wearing the club's beloved #7 shirt. Di Maria impressed for the most part in the first half. Many speculated he would play in an advanced wide role, but the Argentine started deep and delivered some fantastic long balls over the top.
He created three good scoring chances for Manchester United in a central role during the first half, then moved to a more advanced position after halftime. Di Maria’s movement off the ball was excellent, offering an outlet for the under-pressure defensive line.
His willingness to drop deep along with his exceptional vision make him a viable option in central midfield. His work rate is impressive, but was certainly a little out of his depth in the overwhelming speed and physicality of the league. He will adapt, as all great players do.
In Louis Van Gaal’s new system, everyone is still acclimating to both the tactics and more importantly each other. It remains to be seen if he will change his formation, but regardless United must get on a better wavelength.
Burnley captain Jason Shackell was outstanding in defense, making several key interventions and all the while keeping the back unit tightly knit. Danny Ings impressed too, harassing Phil Jones and Jonny Evans into a few early mistakes.
Again, all three center backs for United were guilty of making errors which could have easily led to a concession. The first two minutes alone saw Jones and Evans make two glaring errors, making a case for Van Gaal to go with four in the back. The arrivals of Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind will aid either formation.
Both players are extremely versatile, and fill needs at multiple positions. Blind made the left wingback role his own in Brazil and was Erividise player of the season as a defensive midfielder last year. Rojo, as I’ve mentioned before, can play both center back and left back with athleticism and stamina.
In terms of fitness, The Red Devils’ substitutions were indicative of where their star player are at physically. Di Maria was running on fumes by the 60th minute, while Robin Van Persie and Juan Mata were also looked tired as they left the pitch.
A point away to a hungry bottom-feeder team isn’t the worst thing to happen, but United still have a long way to go. After four games, Van Gaal is still in search of his first win and is still answering tough questions every day. I do believe, however, that a healthier and more cohesive Manchester United team will look much, much better.
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