Just returned from the match.
Some observations
Atmosphere was great among the Utd fans and this being the first match I've been to at the NLS, it beats the Emirates hands down IMHO. Thoroughly enjoyed being with our away fans once again and it was great to shut up the mouthy WHU lot after we scored. From where I was standing, it was only us that was singing in the second half.
The game itself. Well after posting here watching the game on TV for a few years now, it is evident how different it is live. Took me a while to appreciate a few things. Ronaldo's movement is superb even though he doesn't have that pace over a longer distance. Over 5 metres or so, he is still quick. McFred in midfield works best than any other combination. McT in particular worked his socks off and hit some astute passes, he also broke up play well.Ole should be commended for making two good subs against a well organised side who, physically, are very difficult to break down. Their game plan was to hit on the break and maybe Antonio could have made the difference but watching it, we controlled it well even if it did take a goal to wake us up. Thereon we didn't look that troubled.
Points to work on. We still have a habit of creating our own problems. Needless dithering and mishit passes but the work rate in covering was excellent.
Rice.
Good player and it's easy to see why he'd improve us. Better than Fred IMO, and broke up a couple of attacks. Does like to drive forward even if it leads him into blind alleys but he lacked the quality support. With good players around him, he'd be able to conserve that energy. Whether we'd be spending what WHU want is a totally different issue.
Ole's management of the game was far better than Moyes'. I can't imagine what WH fans will be saying right now with regard to not spending on Jesse, and allowing Noble to run on and take a pen when he was nowhere near warmed up
Are we title challengers? Fans verdict as we left'; Need a bit more consistency but we have the quality and belief to be so.