Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho (Getty Images)
Manchester United’s 3-1 humbling at the hands of West Ham United marked their third defeat in seven Premier League games this season. United’s vulnerable backline had no answers to West Ham’s formidable front three and the midfielders found life difficult against a compact opposition. Although they created a few chances, United failed to get back into the game.
That has been the case all season. United’s way of building attacks has become too predictable and one-dimensional. It was the same old story on Saturday as the Red Devils lacked the dynamism and intent to break down a resolute West Ham defence.
United’s midfielders were hardly able to get into the game, meaning the bulk of the attacks were restricted to the flanks. To be honest, the full-backs weren’t too accurate with their crossing and that contributed to the team’s undoing as well.
Meanwhile, United’s backline has cut a sorry figure on multiple occasions this season. The Red Devils have been let down to a large extent by some sloppy defending at the back and they once again repeated the defensive horror show last weekend.
However, one of United’s few positives should be the victory away from home against Swiss champions BSC Young Boys on matchday one of the Champions League. United had the quality to eventually overcome them by a comprehensive three-goal margin but they were far from their best on the night. In fact, things would have been different had United’s shot-stopper David De Gea not saved them on multiple occasions.
De Gea has by far been United’s most consistent performer over the last couple of seasons. Amidst several nightmarish performances by the defenders, the Spaniard’s reliable presence between the sticks has given the fans something to cheer about.
And it wouldn’t be unfair to say that the 27-year-old, who currently earns £180,000-a-week, once again holds the key to United’s success in the Champions League tie against Valencia.
De Gea has found himself in the firing line more often than not as the defenders have been caught out of position on several occasions. However, he has been at the top of his game and has done his bit as far as keeping out the shots are concerned. Despite having only a solitary clean sheet from the first seven games in the Premier League, De Gea has made a total of 19 key saves. Also, he saved the day for United in the Champions League with 4 saves against Young Boys.
It is quite evident from the performances of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly that the Red Devils cannot afford to rely on the centre-backs to keep the attacks out. Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw have been the standout performers at the back and United will be banking on them to keep things safe.
That said, De Gea’s reliable presence between the sticks will certainly help the Red Devils get a positive result out of the Champions League fixture. Given that United have been drawn in a tough group along with teams like Valencia and Juventus, Jose Mourinho’s men should be fancying their chances at home against Valencia on Tuesday.