Match Report: What We Learnt From Manchester United - Chelsea Game

5 Things We Learnt From Manchester United’s Goalless Draw Against Chelsea

 

Manchester United put in an improved performance against Chelsea but like what has become the niche for the home side in recent times, goal was hard to come by.

Matches between Chelsea and Manchester United in the past have been title decoders but this season both clubs are struggling to still find their feet this season after 19 – games played.

 

Footballcrusader.com highlights 5 Things learnt from the game

 

Matić Miss

Ander Herrera missed a header, Chelsea burst forward on the counter-attack, Pedro found Matic, who had only De Gea to beat.

Nemanja Matić misses a glorious opportunity to give Chelsea the lead

The United keeper came out and spread himself well, but Matić saw his scooped effort go high and wide. The Serbian midfielder blunder was truly woeful and received its rightful dose of jeers from the united supporters.

 

Van Gaal’s Substitution Tactics

Van Gaal in this game simply had to win, but his changes once again proved curious.

 

He substituted Matteo Darmian for Cameron Borthwick Jackson, given this was the latter’s first game since suffering a hamstring injury in the Champions League exit to Wolfsburg three weeks ago.

Louis Van Gaal watches on from the bench during his sides goalless drawn game against Chelsea

The baffling decisions of all was bringing on Phil Jones for Daley Blind, a straight defensive swap, when United needed to score a goal if not goals. The former Barcelona and Bayern München coach was rather been negative with his decision –  of protecting a game rather than going for it, came to the fore.

 

De Gea Remains United’s Priced Asset

De Gea’s heroics in the game proved once again why Spanish giants Real Madrid, were willing to pay almost 30 million pounds plus Keylor Navas and many football pundits won’t be surprise if the rumours of Real Madrid having reviving  their interest in De Gea rises again.

De Gea spreads himself to make a save

United’s goalkeeper remarkable fingertip saved to keep out a John Terry header after four minutes. He produced further heroics with a second-half double save fom Pedro and Cesas Azpilicueta.

 

Given United’s current predicaments, the Spanish goal keeper is one player they cannot afford to lose.

 

Manchester United’s Impotence Upfront

United may have played with more purpose and energy in the first-half, but they still lacked the necessary killer instinct where it mattered the most. 

 

The Chelsea scoreless game was United’s seventh goalless draw this season; fifth in their last eight games at home in all competitions. United have now scored just 10 goals in their last 14 games in all competitions

 

Anthony Martial Remains United’s Golden Boy

Martial continues to shine even though he has have failed to maintain his impressive start to his United career that saw him score four goals in as many games.

Martial, a £36million summer signing from Monaco, has continued to look the Red devil’s most dangerous man, even when Louis van Gaal’s side have been struggling.

The 20 – year old French international forward gave Branislav Ivanovic a torrid time, cutting in from the left and hitting the near post with a low effort.

Throughout the game he caused Chelsea problems with his pace, quick feet and direct running.

Match Report: What We Learnt From Manchester United - Chelsea Game