Monday, 2 May 2016

Manchester United 1-1 Leicester: Three things we learnt

Manchester United once again slipped when it mattered the most.

Heading into the last four league games of the season, Juan mata best described the remaining games for United when he described them as 'finals'.

However against the Leicester, United didn't play like they were playing in a final.

It was another improved but casual performance from Van Gaal's men. They failed to get the three points, when what was at stake was more than the three points.

Here are three talking points from and about the game.

1. Top four almost over, Van Gaal almost out

Before this game,  United had hopes of making the top four. But United's first assignment was to win all their remaining league matches.

Then wait for Arsenal or City to drop points.

And with both teams still having to face each other, United stood a good chance of benefiting from their slips.

This was not to be as United failed in their first duty of the process.

On an afternoon United drew Leicester, Manchester City lost to Southampton. A United victory and followed by a City defeat meant United would have closed the gap on their City rivals to one point, with a game in hand.

What an opportunity wasted!

United still stand a chance of making the top four, but now have to Arsenal get the better off City, for something to happen in their favour.

Without the top four, it is difficult seeing Van Gaal at United next season.

The debate before the game was will making the top four and winning the FA Cup be good enough to appease the board and fans?

Yes, but with the top four gradually fading out of sight, seeing Van Gaal at United next season is looking blurred.

2. Poor defending from set pieces

Manchester United's defence has been it's stronghold this season, but against Leicester City, they found it difficult coping with set pieces.

Leicester's equalizer was from a poorly defended free kick. After that,  the United defence had a difficult time coping all through the game.

Anthony Martial had to be at the right side of the post to clear a ball almost going in from a Leicester set piece.

This is not the first game this season United will not be able to cope with the opposition's attack from set pieces.

United Conceded against Tottenham, West Ham and were lucky not to against Aston Villa from set pieces.

It's time Van Gaal and his defence rise to to stop or minimize errors from such.

3. Fellaini and Rooney new found form but lucky

Both players are the best beneficiary of Van Gaal's new 4-3-3 formation.

Against Everton, the duo had a nice game, playing in front of Michael Carrick.

Rooney always had the potential to play in that role, but Fellaini's new found form seems a surprise.

Van Gaal seem to have discovered his best position on the field. With more time and consistency, he can turn to that highly effective box-to-box midfielder United fans had always dreamt of.

Both were however lucky not to have been sent off. Fellaini for elbowing Robert Huth, and Rooney for a bringing down an opponent late on in the game.

Lucky duo?

Fellaini may not be that lucky as the FA would likely ban him for violent conduct.

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