Last year Newcastle won at Old Trafford and now come to town
on Boxing Day. Alan Pardew was at some point this season one of the favourite managers
to get sacked, but a sudden turn around of results still keeps him in charge. While
the magpies are on a bad run of three straight defeats conceding nine goals in
the process, the team must not be taken lightly as they ended Chelsea’s
unbeaten run in the league.
Redly United Highlight four things United must do to keep
the Magpies silent at Old Trafford this season.
1. Defend tightly with more concentration: United’s defence has undoubtedly been the team’s Achilles heel this season. While the United’s attack boasts of some of the best players in that department in the Premier League, same can’t be said of the defence. Lack of experience, inconsistency of form and injuries have made United’s backline unpredictable for most of this season. The goal conceded at Villa Park was as a result of a split second loss in concentration, and that must not repeat itself against Newcastle, if United want to get anything from the game as the Newcastle team have got the ability to create a goal from nothing or half chance, in the twinkling of an eye. It remains to be seen if Smalling will make a start in the game, and if Van Gaal will go for a five man defence – He’s most likely to do though. The defence must keep players like papiss cisse out of the game.
2. Dominate the game in midfield:
United’s midfield in the draw against Villa was flat and weak, especially in
the first half. There was no midfield covering for the defence, and movement of
ball from defence to attack wasn’t potent.
Darren Fletcher wasn’t near his best in any form, though understandable
as he had not started a match in a while. Ander Herrera and Fellaini are both
likely to miss the game, and depending on Van Gaal’s choice of tactics Michael
Carrick may start in defence or midfield. Whoever starts in that defensive midfield
has got to be on top of his game, he’s got to be the anchor and fulcrum of the team,
breaking Newcastle’s play and providing a shield for the defence while
distributing the ball nicely to the attackers.
3. Get more balls into the box for
the strikers to prey on: with the
current strikers and attacking midfielders at United getting the goals shouldn’t
be a big problem. But against Villa,
United did not create many clear cut chances. Van Persie s was short of service,
didn’t get the balls in the dangerous positions. Against Newcastle, United must
be inch perfect with their passes in the final third, deliver the crosses, get
more balls into the box and create more goal scoring opportunities.
4. Dominate the game for 90 minutes:
it’s been one area where Van Gaal’s never satisfied with the team, even during
the six match winning streak, he kept on hammering it. And the game against
Newcastle is one that most be dominated from start to finish. In other to fully guarantee getting much out
of the game.
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