Manchester United’s start to the season has gone from bad to worse
Manchester United are already feeling the heat after a sluggish start to the season, compounded by a frustrating 1-0 derby loss to 10-men Manchester City on Sunday.
The defeat marks United’s second of the season, following their opening day 2-0 humiliation at the hands of newly-promoted Hull City. The weekend clash was filled with controversy after Erling Haaland turned in Josko Gvardiol’s cross from close range, just as Enzo Fernandez threw himself into a diving header attempt.
Though initially ruled out on the pitch for offside against Haaland, VAR overturned the decision – determining that Fernandez hadn’t interfered with play and that Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland onside. The debate only intensified after the final whistle when Pro Ref conceded the decision was an “error of judgment” and the goal should have been disallowed.
Michael Carrick‘s side have just four points from their opening four games, as one United star enjoyed glowing praise despite the defeat, while a club icon aimed their wrath at Marcus Rashford and numerous first-team stars.
Mainoo verdict
Kobbie Mainoo’s display at Old Trafford was amongst the few bright spots Carrick could draw from the match. The England star came within inches of opening his account for the season after rattling the post with a long-range effort.
The 21-year-old topped his side’s statistics for touches, completed passes, defensive actions and most opportunities created. His contribution caught the attention of Manchester City’s Elliot Anderson, who praised his international colleague for being a “top player”.
When questioned about facing Mainoo, the £116million man said: “It was great. It was a good battle. He’s a top, top player, you know, and it’s always tough playing against Kobbie, but yeah, he’s a real good player and a real nice guy.”
United icon slams stars
Manchester United icon Jaap Stam was visibly frustrated by the failure of Marcus Rashford, alongside team-mates Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes, to track back during Sunday’s defeat. The Dutchman charged the attacking four with lacking sufficient intensity in the build-up to Haaland’s winning goal.
The former defender said: “It’s a long ball, they win it, City takes over and look at the front four [of United]. They’re just walking, they’re just looking at the situation. A team that really wants to win, the strikers, it’s about all the 11, it’s about chasing.
“Against ten men, it’s about tracking back, it’s about winning battles. From then on, you keep possession, you go out in transition and then you try to create and score goals.”
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