I didn't realise there was such negativity towards Mata.
From my perspective I felt United lacked the more rounded fluidity that was shown against QPR. Personally I felt Mata linked up better and also did his fair share of tracking back. I don't like Rooney as a 10 because when he plays there he never stays there, he drifts everywhere around the pitch and I don't think it helps the team as much as many here are making out.
For me I was gutted to see Mata dropped yesterday. Agreed United scored 3 goals, 2 of them were similar to QPR in that they were scored or assisted by Di Maria, and of course the first one was good link up between Falcao and RvP. But as I said it didn't look as fluid. I think Rooney caused problems dropping back and getting in the way a little, especially with his mistake for the 3rd goal. I agree Mata was at fault for the 4th goal, but I didn't see a replay of it and he was clattered from behind, my first reaction was he was FOULED, but as they didn't show the replay of the tackle/foul I can't honestly say.
United were undone yesterday by a number of factors and it all started with the foul on Rafa then the dive and the penalty. Actually it started with their first goal where the ball was out of play before the cross. After the first penalty United did crumble but Leicester had momentum. They took it off United, it was only minutes before Falcao had nearly scored a fourth. But the minute they scored the penalty that all changed. The crowd got right behind their team and it energised them and sent panic throughout the United players. United were at complete odds for the 3rd goal and then it only got worse.
Then we come to the 5th goal where I though Blackett was fouled first. So you had a player on the pitch who should have been sent off in the first half and 3 of their 5 goals being contentious. I defy any team in the world to overcome odds like that. It truly was a disgusting display by the officials. Yes as fans we can feel hard done by and no matter what anyone says the officials did change the outcome of the game. However, none of that negates the fact that had United won it would have just papered over the cracks that were always there for all to see.
The defence looked like it just needed an experienced leader and a calming effect. Up until the FIRST penalty, Blackett was my man of the match, he was superb in the first half. I don't think the loss of Evans helped the defence or their mentality either. Is everyone also forgetting our best defender this year was also out injured? Phil Jones is a big loss, and maybe bigger than first thought. The defence needs a massive shake-up but I think when injury free, it will be far better than yesterday. I am interested to see how Rafael, Jones, Rojo and Shaw would work. I am sure we could get a half decent back 4 line up from our defenders, but this is where League Cup matches would help in trying them out. We have to wait until January for the FA cup and by then we could have new players to fit in again. It's all going to take time and patience.
LvG still has lots to do, but can anyone honestly say they thought different just because of one and a half games? Nobody has said United had a problem going forward or scoring goals. It was midfield and defence that were the problems. Losing Evra, Rio, Vidic is more damaging than anything. Sorry, but isn't that the same criticism Rodgers and Liverpool were getting on Saturday? Herrera and Blind struggled yesterday and you can see why LvG gave Vidal until the very last day to prove his fitness. He wanted more steel and more aggression. He obviously didn't buy Carvalho as he felt with Blind, United could cope until January where he will go again for Vidal or Strootman who many feel is his first choice.
LvG also knows about the defence and will try to sort that as soon as soon as he can get anyone to do so. But I must admit I am a little confused by LvG now. I understand he is still trying out new things, that much is obvious and he is seriously hampered by injuries, but I was confused after yesterday. Rojo said he was bought to play CB and Shaw sat out yet again. I couldn't understand that one, nor could I understand him dropping Mata when I felt RvP would have been dropped, especially after he said Rooney is always going to play. It's a problem for him now as I think RvP and Falcao linked up better than RvP and Rooney in the QPR game, but Mata worked better as the 10 (imho) Falcao also needs time too, but one has to go and whichever one it is will cause massive arguments on here, and i'm worried Mata will be used a a scape-goat on here and dropped by LvG. I honestly can't see why because United were so much more fluid with Mata as a 10. Especially after the QPR game where he was outstanding and linked up so well with everyone and United dropped noticeably when he was subbed.
Whatever happens we as fans are ALMOST back to square one again. However there is light at the end of the tunnel. United are devastating going forward and have a multitude of riches in the attacking options. The midfield IS better than last year and given time to adjust should get better over time. We have been unlucky with refereeing decisions and that surely has to change soon. And most importantly, and I fear this may have been overlooked. United WERE lucky this weekend. Lucky because Liverpool lost, Everton lost, and Tottenham lost and none of them were playing against 14 men like United were yesterday. Even the City v Chelsea draw was quite lucky in a way. So for that reason I feel a little more optimistic, and as LvG has said since the beginning, it's going to take time and no matter what, it's a feck load better than watching the shite last year and 100 times more exciting than watching 1700 crosses against Fulham.
Sorry for going off track there and for the exceptionally long post. It's just I haven't posted since the match and it all came out at once.
8
