An In-Depth Analysis of Manchester United's Draw Against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Hello there,

Manchester United drew their first game of the season, a 1-1 away clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 22, 2018. The game saw several key players from both teams showcasing their skills, but ultimately, the match ended in a draw. Here is a detailed breakdown of the game and player analysis, building upon my observations and perceptions.

Match Overview

Manchester United's starting lineup included De Gea, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan Bissaka, Shaw, Pogba, Mctominay, Lingard, Rashford, and James, and Martial. Despite a decent start and a few notable moments, the team failed to capitalize on their chances and ended up with a draw, highlighting the midfield's challenges.

The First Half

United began the game with high pressure, reminiscent of their performance against Chelsea. The team's new signings, Maguire and Lindelof, performed admirably, particularly on corners and clearances. In addition, Wan Bissaka's offensive contributions, including more passes in the final third than any other player, were impressive. Daniel James, a new addition to the team, showed his potential with his speed and energy, creating trouble for defenders.

While United had its chances, the midfield remained a weakness, with many opportunities being thwarted. The performance of Paul Pogba in the defensive and creative roles was notable, but the team's overall midfield strength was inadequate, resembling a defense-Pogba-attack structure. This set the stage for a potential expose by a more organized opponent.

The Second Half

The second half saw a significant shift in the game's dynamics. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team appeared lost after Adam Larsson missed a golden opportunity to secure the win. Wolverhampton Wanderers, like United, took the game seriously, exploiting United's midfield weakness.

Kalidou Koulibaly scored an excellent goal from a corner kick, leaving goalkeeper David de Gea with no chance. Pogba, despite being awarded a penalty, missed, and his penalty-taking inconsistency has been a recurring concern. United's lack of creativity and inability to score from set-pieces further highlighted the team's struggles. Wolves, with a better understanding of the game, capitalized on the situation, showcasing their advantage in midfield.

Player Analysis

Maguire, Wan Bissaka, and Daniel James will continue to improve. Maguire's composure and Lindelof's ability on the ball are noteworthy. Wan Bissaka's performance in the final third was impressive, and Daniel James needs to work on his defensive duties but his speed and linking play are a significant asset.

Paul Pogba has shown great work in defense but remains weak in penalties, a recurring issue. MarcoArnold needs a better approach to free kicks, contributing to United's struggle in this area. Shaw's offensive contributions are commendable, but he needs to improve in the defensive aspect.

United's decision-making and lack of creativity upfront were critical in losing the game, and the absence of an attacking creative central midfielder is a significant concern moving forward.

Conclusion

The result highlights the need for a robust and well-structured midfield. Without it, United's performances and decision-making will be compromised, making it essential to address these areas for long-term success.

Thank you for your time. I hope this analysis provides valuable insights into the game.

Best,

GGMU