Capitol One Cup (Post-Match Report): Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

-Johan

Final score: 0-0 (2-4 on penalties)

United supporters will have lots to talk about after this loss ranging from the green laser pointed at Rooney’s face when he was about to take a penalty, a deliberate and clear hand ball right in front of the referee which was not given and the seemingly 50/50 calls all going in favor of Middlesbrough.

In the end United have no one else to blame but themselves. You have to wonder how many more times will Lingard hit the post and when will Depay live up to the expectations and hype of joining United. United had their chances and failed to capitalize once more.

It was a game that started very promising. Perreira got a start, as did Wilson, Carrick and Fellani, and you felt that the team selection was surely going to prove more than competent to deal with Middlesbrough.

It was evident that players wanted to show Van Gaal that they deserve berths in the top XI. Carrick was pushing up and as early as 10 minutes into the game you would spot him throwing his hands in the air to show he is available for a pass, Memphis  was switching from left to right to center to everywhere and Perreira was making some wonderful first touches and his passing was quick and accurate.

Despite this, the team overall was disappointing. Memphis’ desire to prove that he should be United’s no 7 is apparently huge - he would lose the ball to the opposition on a regular basis or his crosses would be into support-less voids.

It was the opposition that had the first opportunity of the game in the 15^th minute when a scramble in the box led to a missed bicycle kick which was followed up by a feeble shot at goal and nervously collected by Romero.

28 Minutes in and United finally got a shot at goal albeit a weak shot from Fellani on his left which crept wide of goal.

First shot on goal came in the 34^th minute when Depay found Fellani who played Wilson into the box with a delightful pass but Wilson’s tender stroke of the ball made it no more than a routine stop by the goalie who hardly had to move anywhere.

Depay’s lack of confidence was highlighted when he ran onto a pass and found himself up against on defender with Wilson in support on the right but his indecision with what to do at that moment led to Middlesborough defense pickpocketing him and a great opportunity was lost. Downing went close in the 43^rd minute when he drilled a shot from outside the box and Romero had to make a superb save to keep United in the game.

The second half was nothing more than an embarrassment for United’s defense when Blind had a “funniest home video” moment when he scored an own goal only to be saved by the linesman who called for an off side. Depay kept trying to be the hero of the night praying that something would go his way but his display was reminiscent of Nani – all promise but no consistency in execution.

Martial replaced Depay on the left and instantly the wing of United looked more threatening. Rooney replaced Wilson, who had a very poor and disappointing first half but also picked up an injury, while Young came on for Rojo. The game was end to end stuff with Middlesbrough not holding anything back and pressing for a win themselves but as full time approached you could see them tire and United went on the full offensive.

In the last 15 minutes, Fellani missed two opportunities in front of goal, Rooney had a shot blocked, Lingard hit the cross bar and Perreira went hair-raisingly close. It was Ayala’s handball in the 87^th minute that got many talking. Martial was brilliant in dribbling forward and his back heel flipped the ball in an attempt to beat the opposition but Ayala fisted the ball back and cleared. Appeals were waived and nearly resulted in Middlesbrough scoring on the other side only for Romero to come to the rescue once again.

Extra time did not deliver much and the teams went to penalties. Middlesbrough scored the first penalty and Rooney followed that act by having his penalty saved. You felt for Rooney as there was someone in the crowd who was pointing a green laser at his face as he was running in to take the shot.

Middlesborough put their 2^nd over the bar and you could sense some hope of United going through especially after Perreira calmly slotted his penalty into the back of the net like a 10 season veteran. But sadly Carrick’s and Young’s misses sealed United’s fate and Middlesborough will go through to play Charlton Athletic in the next round.

KEY TALKING POINTS

Depay had a wonderful opportunity to prove his worth but failed miserably at it. Blind showed again why his position as a center back is still very much questionable and Wilson’s poor night can partially be contributed to the style Van Gaal has United play. However, Romero showed why he is Argentina’s first choice keeper. He made some fantastic saves and in a way the fans will feel a little more confident in that Romero could fill De Gea’s shoes when he eventually leaves for Real Madrid.

Perreira was United’s best player when going forward. His first touch was sublime and his vision was that of an International regular. On the contrary, Michael Carrick appeared slow and his decision making raised some eyebrows. He lost the ball frequently and his passes were not anything close to what made him standout as one of United’s most valuable players last season.

OVERALL

There were some questionable decisions on both sides and the referee seemed to allow several incidents go. With 3 English internationals failing to convert from the spot, it is hard to argue that they did not deserve to lose. From our perspective, it will be logical to say that the midfielders need to start producing goals.

It might be time for Louis van Gaal to look at changing back to the tried and tested 442. Play both Rooney and Martial upfront with Herrera, Mata, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Fellani, Perreira and Lingard somewhere in the middle and that is the problem.