Izuchukwu Okosi
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Manchester United were pegged back by Premier League leaders Chelsea in Super Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge after going one goal up.
Prime Business Africa’s Senior Correspondent Izuchukwu Okosi shares his thoughts on United’s approach to the game which was Michael Carrick’s last game in charge before the interim rein of Ralf Rangnick takes off.
1. Carrick Shows Ruthless Signs With Ronaldo’s Drop
Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick elected to drop talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to the substitute bench in the 1-1 draw.
Whether that was a tactic to counter Chelsea’s plans or sheer display of guts by the assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is only known to the onetime England international.
What is however promising is that Carrick is not easily swayed by top names.
2. Sancho Starting To Justify Huge Transfer Fee
Bought from Borussia Dortmund for about £85 million, there were criticisms in the way of the England international who scored a fabulous goal for United and was also on target in the UEFA Champions League against Villarreal.
Sancho seems to be enjoying a new lease of life in the absence of Solskjaer and his performance against Chelsea would only serve to boost his confidence.
3. Tactical Nous From Carrick
Back to the tactics deployed by Michael Carrick. He went for a front three of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to guarantee that the team press the opponents and ensure defensive solidity.
This worked a trick for large spells of the game.
4. Two Shades Of Wan Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been sometimes harshly adjudged to be average while on the offensive side of the game but his defensive astuteness is great.
However with United leading 1-0, Wan-Bissaka had a moment to forget when he scythed down Thiago Silva inside the penalty area to concede a penalty.
United’s right-back is known for timing his tackles, but there was no debate on this one.
United’s number 29 did however produce a timely block to thwart Timo Werner who was in on goal and could have scored but fir that intervention.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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