Manchester United hammered West Ham (pun intended) en route to the semi-finals of the EFL cup in a performance which had some big changes in the lineup from the Premier League game. West Ham managed to pull a goal back at 1-1 thanks to a fumble by De Gea but it was an uphill battle from there after Martial and Ibrahimović sealed their fate with some blistering attacks complemented well by the likes of Mkhitaryan and Herrera.
How was this team different from the premier league fixture?
Anthony Martial and Mkhitaryan were on the wings, a more compact attack and a sensational display of pace and flair in comparison to that of Rashford and Lingard. The presence of Shaw and Valencia ensured that their pace was very well complemented, thereby encouraging overlaps and posing serious threats both on counters and the increased direct nature of their attacks. Surely, Luke Shaw is a much better option at left back than Darmian and the pace is more than easily welcome.
Antonio Valencia is doing considerably well in his role as a right back, and with each passing game, he looks unstoppable when he makes his forward forays. The absence of Pogba surprisingly enabled the team to have a more effective approach through the centre and a rejuvenated Wayne Rooney had a major influence on the game.
Wing play is more effective with wingbacks
One can easily say that Darmian, in all honesty, hasn’t been able to replace Valencia, nor provide a suitable cover at left-back for Shaw or Blind as he doesn’t have the necessary skills to cause a threat while going forward. Valencia, on the other hand, did extremely well to provide assistance to Mkhitaryan and also had a key role in one of Martial’s goals. Shaw did a decent job himself, not his best, but surely one to be appreciated.
Rojo and Jones – Reliable
The absence of Bailly and Smalling was supposed to have hit United hard but the pairing of Jones and Rojo has been solid at the back, well, in most games. Rojo showed good recovery pace on the night. The recklessness has reduced between the two and communication has improved considerably.
Herrera is better as a central midfielder
While Herrera can stand in for Carrick, his best performances are when he creates trouble from the centre of the field with his runs, passes and the occasional attempt from long range. His tenacity and grit in keeping the ball and looking to get past opponents are always useful in either frustrating the opposition or earning set pieces, both which are crucial in tipping the balance in one’s favour.
Conclusion
Martial and Mkhitaryan in form are easily United’s biggest threats from the wings. Their runs help Ibrahimović greatly as seen in the game and this gives confidence to the forward that support will be created out of nothing.
The trio seem to form a bigger threat than other wingers available and Martial hitting form couldn’t have come at a better time. United need to replicate this in the Premier League; it’s not that they haven’t, it’s just that they haven’t converted as well as they’d have hoped. Nonetheless, the next game will probably be a continuation of the West Ham fixture and set a series of wins to move into the top 4.
