It’s top versus bottom of the table, with United having won the last six in league and cup competitions against Wolves thanks to Parks injury-time winner at Old Trafford on November 6th.
In a topsy-turvy weekend with a record-breaking total goal tally, would there be another shock today?
Unfortunately, yes, as a dodgy defense brings the unbeaten streak to an end against Wolves of all teams. This leaves McCarthy’s men with United, Chelsea and City as scalps taken thus far this season.
What a bizarre title race, as it looks like 82-84 points will win the whole thing at this pace.
And, for United, we’ve seen this coming on the road for a very, very long time – no more “get out of jail free” cards left to play.
Full credit to Kevin Doyle and Wolves, as you knew they’d battle the full 90 minutes. It was very, very positive stuff from them in the first half garnering two goals and 54% of the possession against United.
For a long time many fans, pundits, and bloggers alike have been unimpressed with United’s streak. And, with good reason, as the Red Devils Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde form would likely catch up to the squad.
This match points out three glaring concerns for United.
First, when United play without Rio Ferdinand, everybody’s form along the back line suffers, with Vidic making uncharacteristic mistakes and Evans yet again looking so shaky that Fergie knew right after half he’d have to sub him. Exactly how do you let Kevin Doyle get the better of you?!
Smalling looked better than Mr. Evans after coming on, which should worry everyone as the poor form isn’t getting any better with the Irish lad.
Which brings me incredulously to Capt’n Vidic.
Vidic also gets nervy and makes blunders you don’t see with Rio on the pitch, with his facial expression looking noticeably more stressed today than with the usual partner. Typically, Nemanja looks hard and in-control even when getting called for a foul, but not today, with Rio’s health a worry to us all.
Second, the midfield is filled with hardworking graft but little craft outside of Nani, Giggs and Scholes. Sir Alex can’t keep playing Giggsy the full 90 minutes week-in, week-out without some drop off in form while Scholes isn’t always able to summon his best on-demand when required by United.
Which brings me to Nani.
Nani was brilliant most of today, with his goal coming from remarkable individual quickness and class to split two defenders and beat the keeper on the near post.
However, Nani can also be wildly inconsistent within matches, as he may be wonderful dribbling around players only to hit a cross to nowhere.
Today there were multiple times when Berba, Rooney, and others found space in the box just off the leading edge only to watch a wide player’s cross fly someplace else or directly to the keeper, with the Red Devils more reliant on an effective aerial attack with the pudding-like pitch at Molineaux.
How does the attack stay sharp with crap crosses?! Poor service leads to poor striker form, especially for this squad on the road.
Which brings me to my third and final point: the Red Devil defense switching off on set pieces.
Both Wolves’ goals came from obvious lapses in concentration, with the short corner played with Rafael not paying attention, while the other set piece coming from Vidic was late on a needless tackle attempt just outside the box.
Yes, Milijas provided a hugely dangerous delivery, and yes, it would only take the slightest of touches to wrong-foot van der Sar.
But how are both Elokobi and Doyle able to get to the ball first, nearly throwing each other off, while the United defense were simply out-muscled by the pair? Again, a Rio-less center half combination looks vulnerable, especially in the air.
One of the definitions of “set piece” in the dictionary is as a noun: “an arrangement of slow-burning fireworks forming a design or composition when lighted.”
Here’s to putting today’s slow-burning display behind us and looking forward to next weekend’s home match with the Middle Eastland Blues.
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Back at you next Saturday. Cheers.
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