Finally got a chance to watch the match this morning. Before any commentary on our players and their performances, as has been pointed out by many, the opposition last night was fairly poor. The defending on Rooney's second goal right before half is what you expect at a prepubescent match. That being said, we looked sharp and effective. The 3-5-2 formation that LVG likes to employ so much worked well, although some of the players still need to work out their tactical responsibilities. Herrera was definitely the man of the match, with excellent control, passing, tackling and overall awareness. He seems to have a knack for knowing what is the best option in most situations and looks a fresh of breath air in our midfield with the linkup play with Mata looking solid. Rooney looked as fit as I have seen him in match one preseason which is good to see. Welby worked hard and and looked solid.
I do think that our defense still needs to be sorted, especially if we employ this 3-5-2. Smalling and Jones are athletic enough to cover their positions, however I am a bit worried of Evans getting pulled out wide left where he will not be as effective against fast wingers who can dribble. On that note, Luke Shaw did fairly well, but I thought he looked a bit timid going forward, which he never did with Southampton. This may just be some nerves over his first start at such a big club with a large price tag now on his head demanding performances. Still, in this setup he needs to be confident going forward and taking on defenders. Also, he seemed a bit stranded at times which left Evans out wide left on his own a few times in the first half which is not ideal. Had this been against a better attacking side we may well suffer that situation. At 18 and in that left wing back position, Shaw will have to show a massive engine to get forward and help cover back at the left, and most importantly learn when to go forward and when to hang back. I'm sure LVG will teach them all well.
Overall very impressed. In light of our last season performances it is hard not to crack at least a little smile again.