Monday 28 October 2013

Premier League: Manchester United 3 Stoke City 2: This is definitely Man Utd!

David Moyes finally did few things in this game that will win him ‘brownies’ point among die hard Manchester United fans. For one the manner of which United clawed back from being down bring back what had been missing all season – the ability to fight back and secure victory. And while Moyes’ team selection was not spot on, his tactical changes were, and for that Moyes deserve credit for this hard fought win.For the first time so far this season David Moyes tried to put the combination of Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Shinji Kagawa in the starting XI, however in a more recognizable formation of 4-4-2 where Kagawa played to the left of the flank. The idea was good as Nani who occupied the other flank has the abilities to cut in to provide more threat besides functioning as an out and out winger. However Nani was a no show on the day and it was saddening to hear boos when he came off.
 
It was the substitution by David Moyes which will be the talking points for months to come. This is the first time Moyes finally comes to his senses that to be champion you need to take risk. And when you are the manager of Manchester United, supporters want to see this type of mentality and even if the outcome was not favourable the team (and the manager) tried – to win at all cost. Taking off Nani (replaced by Adnan Januzaj) and Tom Cleverly (replaced by Javier Hernandez) prove to be the master stroke tactical changes – which was the trademark of Sir Alex Ferguson for the last two decades. Even the substitution of Chris Smalling for Antonio Valencia provided fans with plenty of cheers as it was also seen as an attacking change.
 
Manchester United supporters will no doubt hope that this is the real David Moyes – the man brought in to replace the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, and the man in charge of leading United through the new era. Let’s hope that this mentality continues and the season kick start from here.

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