Great game, performance and result for United. We were the better side from start to finish.
Especially pleasing to see Welbeck score a hattrick. The first was a composed finish into the far bottom corner after a quality through ball by Eagles. Second goal came thanks to a huge deflection off McDonald...not sure if it was going in but MUTV awarded him the goal. Third was a penalty which was a bit soft but well taken, he showed great skill to take the ball past two players in such a tight area in the box in the first place. Showing his talent and looking more confident, everyone's on about Campbell at 20 but Welbeck for me has even more potential as well as only being 17. His highlight probably wasn't even any of his goals, it was a 35 yard strike which he smashed against the post...completely caught everyone by surprise and it was an amazing effort.
Rodrigo was superb; passing was practically flawless once again (only one that I can recall which went astray). He's got so much composure it's incredible, shocking conditions today because of the strong wind and rain but he looked completely in his element. Reminds me a bit of how Scholes plays now, deeper in the midfield just picking passes short and long. Yet to see him as a goal threat but he may not be that type of player. I'd say he has a good chance in the first team; though there quite a few similar players to him in the side (e.g Scholes, Carrick, Fletcher to an extent). His interview was impressive, speaks English more or less perfectly and Anderson was also speaking of their frienship as they were born in the same city but he can barely speak a word of English. Rodrigo seems like a well focussed, down to earth guy too.
Gary Neville looked solid and also bossed the defence more than he has done since returning from injury, Silvestre did well even if the first goal was his fault. Simpson also did better than he has done so far this season despite playing as CB. Still what holds us back but wasn't such a detriment today are the wingers, Gray and Barnes (to a lesser extent) severely lack pace and the ability to take on their man. If we are going to invest in youth this summer then definitely some talented young wingers are in order for the academy and reserves (though Robert Brady playing for the U16s is one to look out for).
Very good night overall
