Manchester United defeated Swansea City 2-0 at Old Trafford today. First-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez were enough to see the Red Devils home. That win meant United have done the double over Swansea for the first time since 2011/12.
Here are the key points we can take from the game.
Jesse Lingard has continued his international form:
Jesse Lingard assisted Alexis Sanchez for his goal today. The England international has been on hot form for his country over the international break and he continued that today.
Lingard lined up in the number 10 position behind striker Romelu Lukaku and was once again one of Manchester United’s stand out players. His movement off the ball and ability to drift into empty pockets of space proved vital for United’s dominant first half.
When away with the Three Lions, Lingard’s ability to run at defenders was evident. Today Lingard utilised both of these traits; the Swansea defenders couldn’t live with him. His link-up play with Raheem Sterling whilst playing for England was also impressive.
He managed to transfer that to United’s three attacking players today, Lukaku, Sanchez and Mata.
A crucial goal for Alexis Sanchez’ Manchester United career:
Alexis Sanchez today netted only his second Manchester United goal. But I feel it is an important one for his Manchester United career.
Sanchez has struggled recently in a United shirt. He has come under plenty of criticism
from fans and the media. Therefore, it was vital he returned from the international break and hit the ground running.
That is exactly what he has done. Assisting for Romelu Lukaku in the fifth minute and scoring himself in the 20th. Hopefully now gives Sanchez a platform to build on so he can end the season with Manchester United strongly.
Pogba proved he can play in a two, so can he do so against the top six?:
Paul Pogba played his best game for Manchester United in a long time today.
Fresh from wins with the French national team, Pogba looked more relaxed than he did prior to the international break.
In a two with Nemanja Matic, there was no need for defensive cover, as Swansea were never going to venture out of their defensive third. This allowed Pogba more freedom and less defensive responsibilities.
However, the question still remains, can the Frenchman play in a two against the top six? Pogba will have more defensive duties.
He will have to track runners; will he be able to cope? We will find out next week against champions elect, Manchester City.
Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling have a great partnership:
Victor Lindelof returned to the side today for his third start in Manchester United’s last nine matches. It was one of his best in a United shirt.
The Swede looked confident, strong and importantly against opponents like Swansea, composed on the ball.
Lindelof gave United an extra passer of the ball from deep. Stepping up into midfield and playing forward passes into the feet of the attacker.
Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling have formed a solid partnership together this season too. In the 13 games, Lindelof has played in the Premier League this season, only two of them have not been alongside Smalling.
The contrast of their attributes must blend well together. Hopefully, both centre-halves can continue their good form until the end of the season, gaining Mourinho’s trust.
A big win for Mourinho ahead of the City derby:
The pressure was on Jose Mourinho ahead of this match. Despite Manchester United winning last time out against Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, defeat in the Champions League sent shockwaves through the club.
The performance against Brighton wasn’t a pleasant watch either. So with the title gone, Mourinho needs to get bums off seats as the Premier League draws to a close.
Today he did exactly that. The first half performance was terrific. Lingard, Sanchez and Mata all worked so quickly with such fluidity behind Lukaku. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic supplying them brilliantly. The second half less so, however, United still had their chances.
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