Manchester United offered yet another taste of Erik ten Hag’s preferred brand of football when they came from behind to snatch a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Dutch manager is very strict about not giving up and his side have shown recently that they are starting to get the hang of that idea as United have now come back from behind to take ten points from a possible 12.
Show spirit united
On Saturday, Casemiro’s last-minute header, which was scored as a goal thanks to goal-line technology, helped United escape defeat.
Omonia Nicosia was the first time United showed their resilient spirit when they came from behind to win 3-1. And in the first leg, United took all three points after Scott McTominay’s late intervention.
This is clearly a Jadon Sancho with very little confidence. We’ve seen it with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford and now they’re both key players when they’re fit.
I criticize the form, but right now I see this as a trust issue.
— Cain Smith (@cainsmithMU) October 22, 2022
Against Everton it was Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo to the rescue and on Saturday, Casemiro proved to be United’s savior and ensured the Reds did not return home empty-handed.
The point is sure to prove invaluable as the season progresses, but glaring questions were raised during the contest. Jadon Sancho was the first to be substituted and it was a necessary call.
The English winger has struggled in recent games and used to be conservative, usually ending up taking the easy route and going backwards.
United need reinforcements
And with Ronaldo suspended, United’s lack of depth became apparent as the only attacking options, as Ten Hag’s removal included three academy graduates in Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri.
Ten Hag will no doubt be pleased with the never-give-up attitude shown by the players, but once again. the result made clear United’s need to dive into the transfer market in January.
Ronaldo aside, United need a striker to handle matters, especially considering the profligacy of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial’s poor injury record.
Once again, United scored most of the shots and it was a mismatch. The Red Devils had 13 shots to Chelsea’s six and six were on target to the Blues’ two.
Ten Hag will no doubt be pleased with the outcome of this week’s games, but concerns about his attacking options and finishing ability will be a concern even as his team managed five points from nine in a dismal week of play.
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