After a 4-2 mauling of Manchester City and a considerably long unbeaten streak, it seemed like Manchester United had finally reached the level of illustrious seasons past. Most pundits were certain Louis van Gaal’s philosophy had come to fruition. Then came the acid test in the form of Jose Mourinho’s league leaders.
The Red Devils dominated much of the game but lacked enough penetration to trouble Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal with the first shot on target coming from the fledgling McNair well into the second half. Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata consistently failed to open up the Chelsea backline as they had been doing almost at will in the past weeks and most importantly against Liverpool and Manchester City. Marouane Fellaini could not win any physical battles and Radamel Falcao was just as anonymous as always. The only clear-cut opportunity Chelsea got they scored through Eden Hazard, ruthlessly exposing the defences frailty that seemed to have been eradicated from United’s game. Chris Smalling seemed to be labouring against a 37 year old Didier Drogba on those few occasions that he had to defend.
Louis van Gaal said he was pleased by the performance even describing it as the best of the season but a neutral eye would have seen that the problems that afflicted Manchester United from the first day of the season have not been entirely solved. Yes they dominated possession but no chance came from it. Yes they didn’t have any serious situations to defend but they still conceded. They lacked a plan B when faced with Mourinho’s tactics and thus based on the match at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United are far from where they were previously thought to be and have to improve markedly for next season.
Source: DSG
