We were lucky as hell over all but it's hard to be too negative after a gamme like that:
- I loved the way we came out in the second half...even before the goals. That was the reaction of a team determined as hell to not let the game go without a fight. Something we've rarely seen from United since Ferguson retired, and a further example of how for all Jose's moaning and negativity, he has done an awful lot to improve the mentality of this team. The fact it worked is pretty important as it will give the players a belief that maybe wasn't there before...that if they're brave enough to impose themselves, they're good enough to aswell. It actually reminded mme of Jose's first Chelsea team. No matter what situation they were in, you knew they were going to throw everything at it.
We didn't see it in the first half, but I don't think it's because it wasn't there. We gave City momentum and confidence and it really is difficult to get a footing in the game when they have that. They were just passing it round us and we needed half time to regroup.
- Sanchez is a fantastic player and the idea he doesn't improve us as a team is absurd. I like Martial and Rashford and want us to find room for both of them, but Sanchez is on a different level to either. If we'd had him alll season he'd have been a real difference maker. The belief I mentioned above, came from him having the ability to turn showing bravery and determination, into creating chances and goals. Players like that actually improve the likes of Rashford and Martial because it allows them to play with that belief and confidence.
- Two games in a row Pogba has put in the required effort and concentration. He plays well in one and is a match winner in the other. One in a midfield two and one in a midfield three. The idea he needs a team built around him is bollocks. If he puts his mind to it he's good enough to make it work regardless. Also didn't get the criticism of him for the first half. He wasn't great but was doing what he was supposed to and wasn't awful either.
- Ashley Young isn't good enough to play at left back. He's very good as a wing back in a defensive five. In a back four bizarrely his decision making is always really poor annd he just looks like someone pretending they are a fullback.
- Good Herrera is back.
- Bad Lukaku is back
- This game was so hilarious. Why were people crying at the end? Did they want to beat us that much? You'd think we just won the title off them or something. The meltdown in the second half turned what could have been "well, United won but it doesn't really matter" into feeling a hell of a lot sweeter