Manchester United’s win over Club Brugge last night was by far the best performance of the season. The Red Devils overcame the Belgian side 3-1 in their opening leg, and will go into the away fixture next week with a fair bit of breathing space.
United’s wins over Spurs and Aston Villa in the Premier League were relatively unimpressive by attacking standards, winning both games 1-0. However, defensively there looks to be real solidity so far, giving fans a big sense of optimism. In fact, despite being slated week in week out, United’s defence is the best in the league since November 2014.
United’s new boys have impressed so far this season. Sergio Romero looks like a relatively solid goalkeeper, albeit with a bit of risk attached. Matteo Darmian has become a bit of a fan favourite with his impressive displays so far. The Italian seems to have already become the right-back United have craved ever since Gary Neville retired. Morgan Schneiderlin has been a solid member of the team, he is clearly favoured by Louis van Gaal, and long let it live! Schweinsteiger, whilst still not 100% match fit, is showing quality both on the pitch and off it. The German looks to be one of the most humble blokes around, bellowing out how impressed he is with life at United. His maturity and leadership is there to see by anyone. Many have called for the 31-year-old to be made captain.. Finally, Memphis Depay. The 21-year-old certainly looks the part in the No.7 shirt, but can he live up to the long list of legends that have worn that shirt for United? George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have all donned the No.7 – and it looks as if Memphis Depay can do the same if he continues at the rate he showed against Brugge. Memphis’ hunger and desire to play football is clear for anyone to see, let’s hope he goes from strength to strength.
United have played with the same back 4 all season so far. Daley Blind, whilst not a centre back by trade, looks extremely capable in the position. Luke Shaw has a huge season ahead of him, and his chances of becoming England’s left back at Euro 2016 is definitely in the fray if he keeps injury free. As for Chris Smalling, he’s been superb. The defender has gone on to become a real brick wall at the back ever since his sending off against Manchester City last year. He’s United’s No.1 centre back, and perhaps the reason why LvG is reluctant to sign another?
Here’s how we rate United’s most used stars 3 games in:
Most Frequent XI
Romero – 7.5
Darmian – 7.5
Smalling – 9
Blind – 8
Shaw – 8
Schneiderlin – 7
Carrick – 7
Mata – 7.5
Januzaj – 7
Depay – 8
Rooney – 5
Most Frequent Substitutes
Schweinsteiger – 7
Young – 6
Herrera – 7