David Wagners’ Huddersfield slay Joses’ United Goliaths
In a game they will surely never forget, David Wagner and his Huddersfield Town beat Manchester United 2-1, in the Red Devil’s first visit to the ground in 65 years.
Ending José Mourinhos’ Uniteds’ unbeaten run this season, but also ending a run of six games without a win for the Terriers. Huddersfield Town put in an outstanding performance, showing no signs of being overawed by the Manchester giants.
They came out to play their own game in the same manner as they did against Spurs a few weeks ago, but with much more success. Lessons were clearly learned.
This time, a surprise early lead came to the hosts. Juan Mata gave the ball away to Aaron Mooy, crossing it to Tom Ince who saw his shot rebounded by David De Gea but found the foot of Mooy again, who swept it in. 1-0 to Huddersfield.
David Wagner and Terriers bite down on lead
David Wagner had his men well organised in the first half, and their sheer determination and desire held off the Manchester attack. With doggedness winning over talent, they were not going to let the lead go easily.
Uniteds’ Victor Lindelof, who came on to replace injured Phil Jones, misjudged a goal kick by Jonas Lossl. Depoitre pounced, his shot went around David de Gea and in. Huddersfield Town now had a 2-0 lead.
Mourinho made a double substitution, of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford, hoping to assist the quiet Lukaku. Much to the United managers relief, Rashford headed in a belter with just twelve minutes to go.
Dogged determination
But the Terriers held their lead, despite United largely dominating the half,with 78 percent possession, but the home side defended brilliantly.
Against all odds, Huddersfield clung on, surviving a last minute strike from Chris Smalling, blocked superbly by centre back Matthias Jorgensen. It was over.
Huddersfield pulled off a fantastic victory. Just pure drive and dogged determination earned three points that probably will be their most remembered for a while.
The loss now leaves Jose Mourinho’s Reds five points astray of their neighbours and nemesis to Manchester City.
The usually controversial United boss José Mourinho was pragmatic and gracious in his response to BBC after the game. He said “The best team won. It’s simple. I have to give them credit. They had a different attitude, motivation and desire than we had.”
When asked what went wrong he said: “I have to analyse, I have some ideas but this is not a moment for that.We say congratulations to the winners because they wanted it more than us.”
How right he was. Huddersfield won that game because they wanted to, so they fought. Again, the home support proving they are fast becoming everyone’s favourite second team.
David Wagner, the Huddersfield Town boss, also spoke to the BBC expressed his delight, mirroring the words of Mourinho.
“The players have shown everything that you have to show when you play Manchester United – the right spirit and togetherness. I said before I don’t expect a result, but I hope and believe in one.We scored at the right moment.We were at our best.”
Whilst Hudderfield moved up to 11th in the table, Manchester gave Tottenham an opportunity to level on points today if they beat Liverpool at home today.
