Manchester United finally get there first win in five Premiere League games.
Now that star striker Robin Van Persie is out with a groin injury, the other United strikers have to step up and prove their worth. It seems that Danny Welbeck answered that challenge with two goals of his own today, with many opportunities to get a hat trick. His play for United so far for United has been poor compared to the potential he’s showed with the England National team.
But today he was strong and powerful, leaving Aston Villa defenders in his rear view mirror. Welbeck said after the game:
“It was a good all around team performance, everyone played well and our performance resulted in goals.”
When asked about playing his preferred position of striker he said:
“That’s where I want to be playing up top, I’m happy to play my part anywhere in the team whether it be out on the left or right.”
United controlled the game from beginning to end and it’s easy to tell why. When Manchester United are playing at their best the goals are being provided by their wingers. Antonio Valencia and Adnan Januzaj were absolutely fantastic today, and it makes you wonder where have these performances been all year? This is one of many reasons why United are stuck in 8th place and 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Just when you think things are going well and nothing can go wrong with United comfortably ahead, David Moyes decides to bring on Ashley Young in the 69th minute instead of the young talent Wilfried Zaha. Young should be the first player sent away in January and shouldn’t see the field in a United shirt again!
On a positive note, Darren Fletcher made his first appearance for the club in nearly one year. He’s been sadly out 12 months for treatment on a chronic bowel condition. Fletcher, who used to be the first players named on the team sheet when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager, was welcomed back by the fans as he took his position as the holding midfielder. If he can stay fit, this would be a great help for United since his presence would strengthen the midfield and create that chemistry so badly needed in the middle.
It was another positive result for you United, but if they are to push forward toward the top of the table they need to start winning these games in succession. In past years under Ferguson, United started hitting their stride around Boxing Day. Only time will tell If David Moyes could push them on in the same way.