MANCHESTER UNITED VS FC COPENHAGEN||CHAMPIONS LEAGUE|LIVESTREAM WATCHALONG||#manutd #fccopenhagen

United's- Today was a game of special importance. A game in remembrance of our legend Bobby. The legend who blessed this field and the hearts of United fans is probably watching us steer through this difficult time. It was a game when all the players needed to step-up and show the world what Manchester DNA is. Today's game was rather a half-spirited performance. But the 2nd half and the win made the 'spirit' shine in the end. The first half was very non-united like and it took us the 2nd half to show the world our intent to win and the 'Never give up' attitude on these games. Even though the first half shows how low our quality can drop when it drops.

Hre's my analysis below and it's long (5 min read approx). But I think if you really love the game, one wouldn't dare to make it any shorter 🙃. Mohak Bhai jaise ultra ko video mein 10-15 mins lagte hai. Hum toh bas koshish hi kar rahe hai 🙌🏼🙏

Pre-read: Licha not being there, we are not getting pressed on defenders. But high press on the rest of the midfield is createing 2-1 on forwards. This creates a critical pressure on our playing style and it sucks. But that is what manager is for. Innit? ETH with subbing Erikson changed the game, but makes me feel Erikesen doesn't have the legs for full game so he could only be there for either half in any further game. 2nd half was more agrresive and cohesive. But the game was not good enough. I repeat, this performance was 'NOT GOOD ENOUGH'.

Let's go through our performance part-by-part

Midfield: Our midfield is the most concerning area for us. Even though Scott works as a goal scorer but he is definitely not our midfield solution since with him there, we are not left with any ball-playing midfielder. This is the reason the game got better for us when Erikson came since a ball-playing midfielder came up. Even though Scott has attacking contributions, he is unfortunately not our midfield solution, especially in the presence of Casemiro. If Casemiro is present then the choice becomes rather interesting. Do we play Case-Ambrabat-Erikson with Bruno on the right; or Case-Mount-Bruno with the usual front 3 and be overly defensively dependent on Casemiro. In absence of Casemiro, neither ambrabat or Mount nor Scott could fill his shoes completely in the DM role. With such a distributed midfield, we absolutely need Casemiro who atleast solves one position of the 3 in midfield. With Casemiro there, we could have Scott-Bruno as a defensive strategy; or Mount-Bruno or Erikson-Bruno as our attacking midfield. In the next game, ETH's approach for next game would decide all this selection.

Centre Defensive: In fairness to Harry Maguire, he has proved himself worthy of 'atleast faith' to be part of the team. Varane was fantastic throughout the game. He is a Rolls-Royce and Mr. Champions League of our team alongside Casemiro. But talking about Lindelof and Maguire, Maguire seems more determined and positively in form to start the next game in the absence of Licha.

Wide backs: I think Raguion's game was okay. Dalot's was better. But there were instances where Bruno was present in the box for defensive action when Dalot was roaming (Idk where in the field). Reguion though okay, is not the perfect replacement for Luke Shaw, and we miss miss Luke so much for his better defensive abilities as well as attacking crosses and set play contributions. I believe Rashy would be better with Luke there. Dalot is okay but I think it's a ongoing fight between AWB and him. Let's see who turns out to be better.

Goalkeeper: It was absolutely his day. I'm so happy that he was our man for today, cos this confidence is gonna go a long way for him and our team. Onana is not as bad of a goal stopper as he has been in the last few games. I think the amount of expectations and pressure that the United jersey brings had gotten to him. I'm hopeful he would be repeating such performances again for us.

Forwards: I would say, Hojlund was absolutely brilliant when it comes to the striker instinct. I'm not saying this for his finishing but for his attempts (especially the back heels and other assists) to set up the goal chances. He is absolutely Physical and Composed in the box and that is a good signing. I think we've signed a great no.9. Even though he might or might not be ready, but he is definitely the man to play your bets on. I would not talk about Antony, the reason is more intricate which we'd discuss maybe someday later. Rashford was okay today. Even though he would've been a better striker today (first touches and stuff) but his passes to Hojlund and others were very promising.

MOTM: I think it doesn't matter these, basis the kind of abysmal performance we're putting.lthese days. But today, it's extremely important. Especially bcoz it involves two of the players who need confidence in their play rn. I would be absolutely happy to give Harry Maguire MOTM. He was calm, composed, attentive and rigourous for his role as a defender. And plus the goal. Remember, the goal is jus a cherry on the top. Erikesen was absolutely phenomenal to our play today. He changed the game as he stepped on the field. Onana – he is the man for today. Isn't he? We'd be betraying ourself if we don't honour him him today. No more words on this. I'd be happy if your MOTM is Harry, Erikesen or Onana. They all deserve it.

Conclusion: Overall, expectedly a rollercoaster of a game (I mean c'mon, aren't we used to it till now😵‍💫). Unexpectedly, should've been a easy sailing but again, everyone knows our quality rn. So no undue expectations from this team. The next game is the biggest challenge of the season and so much to work on. Let's hope for the best and good luck to the team 👌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼