GARRY MONK MANAGED to out-wit Louis van Gaal for a third successive time and though it’s still early days, the manner of the defeat should be a cause of concern for all at Manchester United.
United’s transfer failings inevitably come back to haunt them
The one huge positive from United’s start to the campaign has been the performance of their defence. At right-back, Matteo Darmian has been very bright while on the opposite flank, Luke Shaw is fit and rearing to make up for his lost debut season. And in the middle, Chris Smalling has stood tall and matured into the commanding presence he’s always hinted at being for so long (he was excellent again today).
But there is one huge issue. Daley Blind has surprised many with how well he’s adapted to playing at the heart of the defence. Intelligent and astute, he’s a ball-playing personality but certainly not a long-term solution. United desperately wanted a high-profile centre back this summer but didn’t land one. And now, they’re having to make do. Between Blind and the returning Marcos Rojo, they’ll probably do okay for the majority of the season but today, they were found wanting when it mattered most.
Gomis was a nuisance and it was on the left side of defence that he troubled United most, making those expected runs into the channel. But, Blind struggled with the physical side of handling an imposing presence and Gomis should’ve had at last one goal long before he eventually found the net.
Meanwhile, up front, Wayne Rooney did have a couple of half chances but looked a lot more assured when Marouane Fellaini was introduced and he dropped into a more natural deeper supporting role with the Belgian up top to get on the end of crosses. He ended up going close when superbly dragging a long ball from the skies, turning away from one defender before dwelling too long and allowing Ashley Williams to come back and challenge brilliantly.
Rooney’s struggles continue and it’s clear that he’s unable to lead the line in Van Gaal’s current system. But without another recognized centre-forward outside of the ostracised Javier Hernandez, the Dutchman has few options. Again, a summer target was a consistent striker and that hasn’t materialised.
Romero unconvincing as ridiculous goalkeeping issues come to the fore
Many an eyebrow was raised when Sergio Romero was signed. He was brought in because van Gaal wanted nothing more to do with Victor Valdes after a disagreement between the two. Valdes, an experienced winner and already a member of the squad, on the payroll and an exponent of the Dutchman’s philosophy, has been flippantly ignored and Van Gaal’s man-management has left a lot to be desired.
Valdes was signed in January, clearly as collateral in the likely event of de Gea’s departure to Real Madrid. It made a lot of sense.
Until van Gaal wanted him gone. And ever since, it’s been mayhem at the club.
Romero faced his first major test against Swansea and failed miserably. His fumble from Gomis will get the headlines but he was very nearly caught by a Shelvey lob after a poor clearance while he dropped a hanging cross from the left side and was lucky to grab it at the second attempt. His distribution was patchy all afternoon and it hardly fills anyone with great optimism for the future.
Van Gaal’s forthright opinions are usually quite refreshing but his comments about Romero pre-game were hardly motivating as he questioned whether the Argentine had really been tested yet. Considering the manager has two perfectly good goalkeepers available for selection but refuses to consider them because of off-field issues is a testament to his peculiar man-management. The perennial teacher (van Gaal taught PE while still a young footballer in Holland) his attitude is simple: You’re either with me or against me. Valdes’ case is slightly different to de Gea’s but the manager’s mantra remains the same. However, his principled and stubborn stance is creating a plethora of problems and they could all have been so easily avoided.
Garry Monk is working wonders at Swansea & a bigger club will come sniffing soon
The young coach is to be admired for a number of reasons. Already this season he’s out-thought Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal. His recruitment has been smart and enterprising. And his team have a clear approach but can easily switch things when under pressure.
At 36, he follows in the footsteps of a couple of young, vibrant and intelligent Swansea managers in Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers. His team are an entertaining group and will push the best sides in the league this season, certainly.
It was down to Monk’s tactical nous that they won today, switching to a midfield diamond early in the second-half after United went in front. It allowed his creative players Ayew and Sigurdsson to find pockets of space in behind United’s full-backs and both goals came from United’s left side.
In contrast, United’s big change came when a tall, fuzzy-haired Belgian was summoned from the bench and they went direct.
Where Monk was subtle and intriguing, van Gaal was one-dimensional and easily second-guessed. Maybe a further sign that the depth in key positions just isn’t there at United, despite such heavy spending.
