Friday 26 February 2016

Manchester United 5- 1 Midtjylland: Five things we learnt

Manchester United staged what looked like their performance of the season so far, when teal dismantled their Danish opposition 5-1.

Redlyunited looks at five main talking points from the game:

1. Anthony Martial's injury: A blessing in disguise

The Frenchman joined De Gea, by picking up an injury few minutes into the game.

With news of his absence circulating, critics must have been waiting for United to lose, and Van Gaal get the media sacking again.

Few had started to  understandably began to criticise him for starting the season with only two strikers.  But after 90 minutes, most of his critics had joined in the praises of some United players.

Howbeit Martial's injury may have won United the game, allowing the likes of Depay and Rashford to take full responsibility of United's fate for the night.

His injury has been confirmed not heavy, and he could be back against Arsenal. Meaning he got a much needed compulsory rest.

2. A new star is born at Old Trafford

Before this game, only followers of the U-18  and youth team would have known much about Rashford. Young, Raw, strong hungry and talented.

He was totally unbelievable on the night.  Two vital goals in your debut match against an European opposition is no child's play.

He now joins James Wilson in scoring for United's u-18's, u19's, u21's and the first team in the same season. He also joins Wayne Rooney as one of the few United players who open their goal scoring account for United on big European nights, with more than a goal.

Very sure this is not the last we would be seeing of this youngster this season. With United still in the FA Cup, Europa League and faint top four fight, he'll definitely get more chance this season.

But for now, he is one of the few positives of  a poor season for United.

3. Depay could start a new United career with his performance on the night

The Dutchman on the night rose up to the big occasion, and stood tall to be counted. He has for the most part of his first season at United ended most games as a flop.

His performance on the night was arguably his best so far this year in United's jersey.

With United approaching a vital end to a turbulent season, next match against Arsenal:  he could show United how new a signing he is.

United fans will be hoping to see a similar showing from him against the Gunners. With some little consistency, he just may lead United to one title.

4. A season for the Academy

The United academy is no doubt on of the best in the country and this season has testified to that again.

Though injury caused, here are some facts about the academy this season and in the night.

- 11 of United's 18 man squad for tonight are 23 or under,  with 7 players from the academy plus 17 year old Poole who went straight into U21.

-  Poole is the 14th academy player to be given his debut by   Van Gaal.

-  Two youth players start and five on bench...3,785 consecutive United first team games since October 1937 with youth player in squad.

From Poole to Joe Riley, to Rashford to Borthwick-Jackson and many more, the United academy has once again showed it effectiveness in supporting the first team.

5. All set for Arsenal clash

United must still give the top four a final fight, and what a performance, and scoreline to have before heading into a must win match with the Gunners.

The confidence level in the United camp must be sky high now, and that's what is needed to stage and effective fight against Arsenal.

With the Gunners losing to Barcelona on Tuesday, United with a confidence returning victory on Thursday, everything is set for a Super Sunday. 

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