Squad selection, transfer setback, tough fixtures, David
Moyes is running short of excuses for his continuous failure to deliver results.
The also struggling Sunderland appeared to have pulled off a shocker to add
further misery to Moyes, but Manchester United showed glimpse of the determination
and quality in the Ferguson-era and utilised a convincing second half to rescue
all 3 points. The inspirational comeback could be an important turning point of
the Red Devil's season.
Rotation again?
It was a hard-fought one point at Ukraine, but the match at
Stadium of Light was of equal importance to United's season, following two
successive defeats to Manchester City and West Brom. Rio Ferdinand might be
left out again, considering the physical strength of Altidore by fielding Phil
Jones, but leaving Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini at home was dubious. Craig
Gardner, Lee Cattermole and Emanuele Giaccherini showed how desperate they were
for a home victory. No wonder both Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley were
outpaced and outplayed, after completed whole match against Shaktar mid-week.
Moyes had shuffled the centreback partners in all four games
following the derby defeat. If the mix-and-match is to cater for various
opponents, it has not been a particularly effective move. Phil Jones' soft
clearance and Nemanja Vidic's clumsy feet concludes the troubles Moyes'
campaign finds themselves in.
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| Gardner gave Sunderland a moment of hope |
Heaven and Hell
for Januzaj
Amidst the energy-less display in first half, United fans
found consolation in the young Belgian. Januzaj showed no fear in his debut
start for United and was everywhere in the final third. Undoubtedly active,
Januzaj though was far from productive in attack. Being relatively
inexperienced in senior games, the 18 years old might have tried too hard
sometimes and over-complicated his passing decisions, while also found himself
often trapped among defenders, being unable to release his pass quickly. His
dive shortly after interval seemed to have put his involvement in the game to
an end.
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| wonderful technique from Januzaj |
Nevertheless, one moment of brilliance can erase all the
wrong feet one has put in. This is how magical football can be. Januzaj did it
not once but twice, with both his feet, to reassure that he is one of the most
promising kid at Old Trafford this season, also justifying Moyes' brave and
gambling move was no-nonsense.
Januzaj's impressive volley won the match for Manchester
United. In truth, there is still much room for improvement in his game. While
it is a great confidence boost to the exciting youngster, United fans will love
to see him keep his head down and continuously develop to fulfill his
potential, having witnessed the recent fall of Federico Macheda.
Get Robin back
Having just come back from injury, Robin Van Persie is yet
to find his clinical touch in front of goal. United poor performance did not
help as the striker was short of supply throughout the night. When he finally
found himself in acre of space, he wasted the opportunity, rushing the shot
with his left foot. It could be only a matter of time for player of his quality
to reignite the goal-scoring form, which might be why Moyes refused to remove
him until the final whistle. However, United urgently needs him to lead them
back into the title race. Moyes may need to readjust the Dutchman's training
schedule to quickly enhance his fitness.
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