Three things that Manchester United should or shouldn’t do over the coming week.
After an impressive last 55 minutes against Newcastle United at the weekend, it’s on to the next seven days for United. Despite falling behind to a Dwight Gayle finish, United hit back with goals from Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
The following fixtures are on this weeks’ calendar.
22nd November: Away – Basel ( Champions League )
25th November: Home – Brighton & Hove Albion
Let’s take a look at the three for MUFC.
1 – Managing The Returning Players
A delighted Old Trafford saw first hand the returning trio of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo. Paul Pogba was thrust straight into the starting eleven and his skill and enthusiasm were there for all to see. An assist and a goal on his comeback from his hamstring injury in September were a big plus for United. He was taken off on the hour mark, much to the satisfaction of a job well done by the home support. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who just seven months previous had done his ACL, was welcomed back to a standing ovation. Cheered on his every single touch. His fifteen minute cameo will be great news to the boss with the games coming thick and fast over the coming months. The only one of the trio unable to make an appearance was that of Marcos Rojo. The Argentinian defender, who like Ibra had torn his ACL, was left to watch on from the dugout. This though is also a welcome added addition to a defence which could do with one or two more options in both left full back and central defence. But what of Luke Shaw? Seemingly fit and on the bench but still not able to get any minutes on the pitch?
2 – Managing The Squad
With the Champions League qualification already in the bag and a heavy Christmas fixture list on the horizon, it’s time for Mourinho to manage his squad. This week sees an away game in Switzerland at Basel. Jose should rest a couple of the regulars. David De Gea, Nemanja Matic and Anthony Martial, should all be given the night off. Sergio Romero, Fellaini and Lingard, are more than able to plug the holes over in the land of the Toblerone. If all the players returning can stay fit, United have a wealth of talent to turn to in any given match or situation. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was dropped for the Newcastle game, well I say dropped, he could well have been rested. His form has been indifferent of late but the return of Pogba could well see the Micky Magic which we saw in the opening four or five games.
3 – Keeping The Pressure On
Brighton at home is the next Premier League fixture in United’s sights. A must win game if the Red Devils have any chance of closing the gap on neighbours City, and mounting a serious title challenge. The resurgence of Chelsea and now Arsenal, mean that the games in which United are strong favourites, really need to be put to bed. Too many times last season these games at home were drawn which enabled Chelsea to pull away from the pack. United could never recover and were fortunate to get into the Champions League via the tradesman’s entrance. Any more points dropped will mean that United will need binoculars in which to be able to see City in the distance. It’s a tough task for Brighton with United only losing once at home in over a year.
Those are my three points for the coming fixtures. See you next week. GGMU