Manchester United booked their spot in this year’s FA Cup semi-finals yesterday after a 2-1 win at Norwich.
It was a mixed performance. The Reds started poorly and conceded cheaply in the second half. They improved and secured the win after extra time.
Ole will be happy with the result but disappointed that it took 120 minutes to secure it.
Here are the positives and negatives from the win.
Good – Odion Ighalo
The Nigerian international got on the scoresheet for Manchester United in cup action yet again.
He took his goal well, waiting for the ball to drop after a scramble in the box, poking it past Tim Krul to give United the lead.
Ighalo has proven to be a good signing since joining on loan from Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua.
Good – Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba didn’t start against Norwich yesterday afternoon. Solskjaer sent him on as United chased the game.
The Frenchman showed his quality in characteristic fashion and it was his brilliant pass that led to Maguire scoring the winner.
Bad – Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese international had a frustrating outing. He tried hard to get Manchester United going in the first half, perhaps too hard.
Fernandes got better as the game progressed and it was his clever flick that put Ighalo through on goal and led to Klose’s sending off.
Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Norwich City:
72 final third passes (most)
7 shots (most)
5 chances created (most)
3 successful take-ons (most)
3 tackles wonIf that’s him on a bad day then Man Utd have signed a serious player. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/v0penzPXUx
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 27, 2020
He lost the ball often, but he tried to make things happen that no one else would try on the pitch.
Ole can definitely still take positives away from his new man’s performance.
Bad – Sergio Romero
United’s number two didn’t give the greatest account of himself yesterday. Rarely called upon during the game, he had precious little to do.
He didn’t do the precious little very well, allowing in Todd Cantwell’s effort on 75 minutes.
The Ugly – United’s depth
Manchester United’s starting XI yesterday put on a dreary showing. A lethargic performance, the team couldn’t seem to get any form of groove going.
The side performed much better upon the introduction of the regular starters. This will be worrying for Solskjaer and the fans alike.
United’s lack of quality in depth means they’re one or two injuries away from being in real trouble.
