Manchester United face Stubborn Villarreal in Spain following an emotional weekend for the club and its fans. Ole Gunner Solskjaer was relieved of his duties after a damaging 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road. Loyal supporters of the club were sad to see a legend leave the club but most understood it was a decision that had to be made following a couple of dreadful months.
Manchester United Face Stubborn Villarreal
Positive Result Required
United need to ensure that they come out of this game with at least a point. They sit second in their Champions League group alongside Villarreal who also have 7 points but a higher goal difference. 3 points against Young Boys at Old Trafford should be nailed on but this is not guaranteed. A loss against Villarreal could be damaging in terms of progressing to the next stage. A win would most likely seal qualification and that is what the Manchester United fans will expect. After the disastrous performance against Watford, which eventually cost Ole his job, the players need to turn up and perform to a high standard. Surprisingly, the coaching staff has remained at Old Trafford and it is understood Michael Carrick will take charge of the game. Over his tenure, Ole stated that his coaches took authority over coaching this team and he was not greatly involved in this. The fear from the United fans is that the performance will not improve because it is the same coaching set-up that will lead the team on Tuesday night.
Van De Beek to Start?
The story of Donny Van De Beek at Manchester United is a strange one. The lack of opportunity and chance he has been provided is extremely frustrating for the fans. It is understood he is a great professional and gives his all in training. However, Ole and his coaches decided to consistently persist with Fred, Mctominay, and Matic in the middle of the park. Van De Beek was the only shining light for United on Saturday. He came on at halftime and scored a goal within 5 minutes to give his side a fighting chance. His passionate celebration and enthusiasm to galvanize his teammates was refreshing to see. He provided a link between defence and attack with good balls in behind the Watford defence to create chances for Ronaldo. The link-up play with Jadon Sancho was effective and it felt that Sancho improved in the second half with the introduction of Van De Beek. Defensively, he was brave and got stuck into strong challenges to win the ball back. Isn’t this what the Manchester United fans have been crying out for in the midfield? His attitude and conduct represented a ‘Manchester United player’. The question now is raised whether Carrick will reward him with a start or if he will revert to the midfield this coaching team induct into the team week in week out.
Main Image Credit – Embed from Getty Images
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