Awful 60mins to endure. Lack of defending, panicky play and clueless in attack.
The Mata free-kick gave us a huge shot in the arm, it was a completly different team; full of desire, attacking intent and fluid play. Makes me want to see the next game immediately like a box set - I've not said that since the Watford game.
Some big decisions for Jose going forward though:
- Bailley and Smalling does not work, both from a defensive positioning sense, but also the lack of passing output. Bailley was again poor.
- Matic has been a huge under-performer this season, but looked ok in defence tonight. I'd be tempted to try him with Smalling going forward, then give Perriera and Fred a chance in midfield
- Lukkaku is hugely off form and deserves to be dropped. While Rashford was poor with his finishing tonight. I'd be tempted to go with a fluid Sanchez, Martial and Rashford.
- Young was awful tonight. Better than Valencia going forward, but poor defensively. Time to put Dalot in at the deep end