There is no longer such a thing as tactics in Manchester United matches. Just waiting for the usual frailty in the midfield and defense to give them a challenge, a lead to chase down, before the front-line, this time with a super-clinical Chicharito coming in for the rescue, saves the day.
Another 0-2 deficit, another 3-2 win. No Robin van Persie, no Wayne Rooney, and nothing even that has much to do with Alex Ferguson or at least his knowledge of football and positioning players. The fact is that even with the best back four he can currently put on the pitch, teams as impotent up front as Aston Villa easily find their way to the goal. Maybe it’s a matter of cohesion and playing more together before everything’s alright, but it seems like too many things are wrong for Manchester United in everything but their offense, but it isn’t hurting them when it comes to points.
Yes, a team that is taking tons of heat for their defense and their super slow and ineffective midfield is leading the Premier League table with 27 points, nine wins out of 11 matches, without even mentioning their perfect run in the Champions League, with three more comeback wins to account for. There’s no quit, there’s no lack of belief and certainly no lack of finishing ability upfront for this team. And there’s always that luck factor that usually goes with the good teams.
Killer instinct and finishing ability. Javier Hernandez is what some would like to call and old-school striker. Not too impressive in his frame or size; he doesn’t do much outside the box, possess and accurate cross or some special field vision leading the exquisite passing. No. He just knows where to be and simply reacts quickly to every development near the goal. Be it a skirmish or a rebound situation, Hernandez is usually too quick, agile and knowledgeable in how to use his body to score for any defense to contain.
A player who some thought would be shopped and transferred upon the arrival of Robin van Persie, and Ferguson’s credit to Danny Welbeck. Hernandez started by only getting a minute of injury time here and there. Nothing a prolific striker like him should be happy with. But an injury to Rooney and the demise of Nani in the rotation led to a slight change in tactics, with the problems in the back led to a change in the philosophy. More attack, and f%^& the rest. Hernandez suits that strategy very well.
Alex Ferguson is notching one comeback win after the other despite his problems with players he trusts blindfolded like Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs is also someone that has become almost redundant in the United formation. If you don’t have speed anymore and the ability to support the attack, there’s no real use for you on the field. Just players who can press and create chances in the second half is what Ferguson needs.
The art of playing for just 45 minutes works well with the kind of strikers Alex Ferguson has. Preparations for the match? No need for them, because someone will be there to fix it in the second half. Van Persie, Rooney, Chicharito. The question is, can this be enough for the titles at the end of the season, or will United that isn’t improving from match to match be caught by one of their rivals eventually.