After a dominating performance against Burnley, only to end up in a draw, United sealed the game in the first half with three goals at the Liberty stadium when they faced a struggling Swansea side. While United were good, Swansea continued their dismal run of games and their fortunes aren’t likely to change in the near future if they continue in this manner.
Lineup
Pogba got to play in his favorite role in his favorite position. The extra freedom was welcome thanks to the brilliance of Michael Carrick who sat deep, as usual, looking to create chances and ended the game with a 97% pass accuracy. Wayne Rooney can be proud of his performance this game with two brilliant assists for Zlatan who broke his goal drought.
Players brilliant despite unusual positions
United played with inverted fullbacks and did a decent job at that. Darmian wasn’t as good in attack due to his position as a Left back but Ashley Young had a sensational performance both in defence and attack. Phil Jones had a good game for someone who hasn’t played in quite a while. He has 13 clearances, more than any other player on the pitch! Rooney did a good job on the wing with 2 assists and it seemed to help Ibrahimović. There was pessimism surrounding the back four, considering they have never played together as one defensive line but that was proven wrong.
Paul Pogba is finding his groove
He has been one of United’s best players but he thrives when given freedom at the centre of the field. A few analysts and journalists claimed that Pogba isn’t a defensive player nor a number 10 and that the left side of the midfield is his best role with defensive duties covered by the other midfielders. We saw how well that worked out and he scored a brilliant volley and 95% pass accuracy.
The presence of a Deep Lying Playmaker is vital
Manchester United are a different team when Michael Carrick starts. The composure in defence is evident thanks to the presence of Carrick who sits deep. His passing accuracy was on point yet again with a sensational 97%. I cannot stress enough on the fact that United need to get another player like Carrick because he cannot play week in week out. The heat map highlights how Carrick has mostly been just in front of the back four. This is what gives Pogba freedom and that helps the team as a whole.
Rojo has helped United survive without Bailly for a while
For all the criticism Rojo has received (rightly of course), he has done a more than decent job in the games. He had a no-nonsense performance with 90% passing, 7 clearances, and just one foul. Yes, these are Rojo’s stats from Squawka.com.
Swansea’s poor form only benefitted United
Swansea was horrific in defence with their back four having only a 27% tackle rate, 33% aerial win and just 15 clearances as opposed to Jones who alone had 13. In attack, they managed to create only one chance, the free kick from Sigurdsson that led to their only goal.
Implications
United have a win under their belt after lady luck seemed to curse them in a couple of earlier games. United face Arsenal next and, one thing is for sure – this lineup will not suffice. United cannot deal with the pace Arsenal have to offer with this lineup. The Red Devils will require the services of Shaw and Valencia, who will hopefully recover in time. There is also hoping that no one is injured in the international break.
