Following another goalless draw yesterday, Manchester United fans were left to chant their frustration at the team’s lack of goal scoring threat.
Wayne Rooney has faced the biggest back lash on twitter from fans, who seem to think their captain and talisman is no longer the force he once was, and is the reason why the team no longer has the same threat factor when going forward.
An analysis from the game yesterday, however, would back commentators such as Paul Scholes, who lays the blame on the system being deployed by Louis Van Gaal rather than players such as Wayne Rooney. Against Palace, United managed to create a meagre 3 chances, which is not good enough for a team with ambitions to challenge for the title.
Man United’s attacking display vs. Palace by numbers: 4 take-ons completed 3 chances created 3 crosses completed 1 shot on target 0 goals
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 31, 2015
United certainly have sured up their defences frailties, and 3 clean sheets in the last 3 games is evidence of this. However, this has also coincided with their longest barren run in front of goal since 2005. United of old were known for their fast transition of play, the use of pacy wingers and attacking teams relentlessly.
This has now been replaced with slow possession football, with little or no creativity and certainly no cutting edge. It is these factors that have led to frustration amongst the terraces, and from ex United players.
United face CSKA in a crucial Champions League fixture on Wednesday night, followed by league games which they really should be winning if they are to mount serious challenge. To achieve that Van Gaal will need to revisit his tactical plans.