In Defence of United

-James Adams

Although a wider argument is breaking out about United’s style of play under Louis Van Gaal, I would like to focus on a hugely positive aspect of the team – the Defence.

At this stage last season, United had already conceded 15 goals whereas this season United currently have the joint best defensive record in the league with 8 goals against and the best home defensive record with just 1 goal being conceded. If United carry on like this at home, they could get very close to Chelsea’s 04/05 Premier League record of fewest goals conceded at home in a season (4).

There are of course several factors that have contributed to this solidity. However, I think the three main ones are:

The emergence of Chris (Mike) Smalling

There is no other way to put this; Smalling has been an absolute beast this season. A lot of people pick out his red card at City last season as the turning point and this season Smalling’s game has reached a new level.

Averaging just over 2 tackles per game, just below 2 interceptions per game and 6.5 clearances per game, Smalling has been a rock at the back for United. Smalling has already played in 15 games this season, compared to 21 in the whole of last season and if he manages to stay fit, United could have the best Centre Back in the Premier League playing for them.

Keeping David de Gea

When Real Madrid botched the transfer of de Gea in the summer United fans were understandably ecstatic, however, many wondered what the Spaniard’s mindset would be like when he returned to the starting lineup. Well, de Gea quickly dispelled any of those fears with his first game back against Liverpool, making some crucial saves at 0-0 and then 1-0 to help United win 3-1.

United have now kept 5 clean sheets in the last 6 games and de Gea has been a big part of that by making some great saves – the ones against Bolasie and Doumbia stick out in my mind the most. 

It’s crazy to think that David de Gea has only just turned 25 and if he stays at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future, United could have the best keeper in the world.

The signing of Morgan Schneiderlin

Although United paid a reported £25m to sign Schneiderlin from Southampton, he still very much operates under the radar. Schneiderlin is averaging 3.1 tackles per game, 2.7 interceptions per game and has a 91% pass success rate in the Premier League this season and has provided a much-needed balance to United’s midfield.

Schneiderlin also does a lot of the so-called ‘dirty work’ in a game and has helped to break down play even before the opposition gets a chance to reach United’s defence.

Despite fans crying out for a more attacking style of football, one thing they can’t complain about is how good United have been defensively this season and as an American saying goes “Offense wins games, Defense wins championships”.