Di Maria Shows Promise, Tactical Questions For United

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.  

Weekend Preview: United Badly Need This One

Under-fire manager Louis Van Gaal is not finding life simple in England.  After the 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup this week, one would assert that things couldn’t get any worse for the Dutchman and Manchester United.

Well, cheer up Louis, because even though it’s away from home, you’ve got Burnley this weekend, a side who also suffered defeat to a lower-division side in the Capital One Cup this week.  However, anything less than three points would mean the support calling for your head and probably another awkward meeting with Ed Woodward. 

It could be worse for United in that they are lucky they don’t play a nightmare fixture following two already rather lenient games to start the season.  Manchester United have to take it one match at a time, and regardless of their recent form, should take care of business at Turf Moor on Saturday.  

As I mentioned earlier, Burnley were stunned by Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup in front of a lackluster crowd at Turf Moor.  Even thought it was just a cup game, you would think the supporters would turn up to support their side.  On Saturday, don’t expect a half-empty stadium, but know that the support for the recently-promoted club is not what it should be.  

A week one defeat to Chelsea was almost a formality, but last weeks fixture against Swansea was hotly contested.  Although Nathan Dyer scored the only goal of the game in the first half, the second period was dominated by the Clarets.

From a Burnley perspective, this fixture could mean a great deal to them.  If they were to grab a point or perhaps stun Manchester United as bottom-feeder clubs are so accustomed to, it could be a springboard for them.  

If they lose, it's far from the end of the World...they're Burnley, not Manchester United after all.  The Clarets will come out and attack, with Danny Ings leading the line against a United side seriously lacking confidence.  

On the other side of the ball, Van Gaal will likely have Argentinian signings Marcos Rojo and record signing Angel Di Maria available for selection, and if that’s not a boost to the club I don’t know what is.  

Di Maria led La Liga by a wide margin with 17 assists last year, and was man of the match in the Champions League final.  His impact for Argentina in the World Cup was immense, while his injury absence from the semifinal and final were noticeable.  

Di Maria’s offensive prowess is well-documented, and people have been comparing his new role to that of Arjen Robben under Van Gaal.  What makes Di Maria better than the Dutchman is his willingness to defend at times, something which earned him starts in the middle of the pitch last season after Gareth Bale was bought from Tottenham.  

As for Rojo, he immediately becomes arguably Manchester United’s best defender.  Rojo starred under Alejandro Sabella in Brazil, also showing he can play on both sides of the ball to devastating effect.  However, he is just one player, and his impact can only be felt at one position.  

Rojo’s versatility will make him an excellent tool in Van Gaal’s constantly changing tactical scheme, but with the recent run of injuries to almost every midfielder at the club, the focus of concern is slurring between defense and the midfield.  

Finally, it remains to be seen how United will line up with their new star player in the fold.  United have a wealth of attacking talent in Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, and now Di Maria.  The key will be integrating Di Maria while maintaining a defensive presence in the back.  

Against MK Dons, Manchester United were made up of either untested academy players or men Van Gaal is phasing out of the club; hardly a side with any motivation or confidence.  

Right now, Van Gaal doesn’t have the luxury of selecting his best players with all the injuries.  It is imperative that the Dutchman instill it in all eleven players on the pitch that laziness or complacency will not be tolerated.  I expect United to take three points from this game, but it will not be easy at all.  United will grab the early lead, Burnley will fight back, but come up just short.  2-1 Red Devils.  

New Look Chelsea

Chelsea solidified themselves as title favorites with a comfortable 3-1 win on the road against recently promoted Burnley.  After a Scott Arfield screamer to make it 1-0 in favor of the hosts, Chelsea unleashed a fury of attacking moves, wave after wave of blue shirts converging on the Burnley defensive third.  

Burnley were declared huge underdogs going into the fixture, but they showed fight and resolve in the second half, not to mention the impressive opener.  Chelsea were up for the task though, maintaining their shape and defensive work rate until the final whistle.  On both sides of the ball Chelsea looked comfortable.  

In the transfer market, Jose Mourinho constructed the most balanced starting midfield; a group who fits well with each other, but also complement each other very well.  Nemanja Matic is the defensive anchor that all premier league sides could use, allowing Cesc Fabregas to roam and seek out creative chances with the ball.  

Meanwhile, the relationship between Oscar and Eden Hazard appears to only be getting better by the day.  Now with two full seasons together, the two are accustomed to overlapping each other and dropping into other positions in perfect harmony.  Andre Schurrle looked good in a wide role, linking up nicely with Fabregas for the second.  

Diego Costa is what separates this team from last years squad though.  Costa is undoubtedly World Class, despite his poor form at the World Cup.  His presence changed the way Chelsea attack, in that he draws defenders further up the pitch and allows more space for the wealth of creative midfielders to shine.  

To cap it off for the Brazilian…erhmm, Spaniard, he scored in his premier league debut, a far cry from Fernando Torres’ start to life at Stamford Bridge.  Arsenal have done a lot in the transfer market, and so have Liverpool.  However, Chelsea have won the transfer window thus far in addressing their most urgent needs first.