Mighty Marcus highlights the failings of Zlatan
WHEN the number 19 flashed up Jose Mourinho turned to the south stand, raised his arms aloft, nodded his head emphatically and put his hands together as Marcus Rashford strolled towards him.
The Reds boss grabbed Rashford fervently as he congratulated the striker on what was his most complete performance yet in a United shirt. An unknown quantity versus the fodder of Midtjylland and a fragile Arsenal, against the champions-elect Rashford had Chelsea’s defenders on toast.
The striker epitomised the underdog status United were tagged with an hour before kick-off and the jumbled line-up caught the league leaders unawares.
Sunday still might not be a defining moment in United’s season, but it could be in the Mourinho era. A peculiar formation, questionable selections and a pessimistic mentality among some supporters crystallised. But there was not a single bad performance from the starting XI as Matteo Darmian enjoyed his best display of the campaign, Marouane Fellaini was serenaded by the Stretford End and Jesse Lingard’s stint up front could cause Anthony Martial’s fans to change their avatars.
There was something retro about United’s performance. It was reminiscent of the unlikely victory over Arsenal in December 2002, a match mainly memorable for Phil Neville’s unusual positioning in central midfield against a team who had scored in every league match that calendar year. United shut out Arsenal that day.
Antonio Conte was stumped by Mourinho’s innovative tactics as United disturbed the ludicrously lauded N’Golo Kante 10 days after David Silva schooled him. The hype which surrounded the Frenchman galvanised Paul Pogba, indomitable in midfield, and United’s unpredictable attack dragged Kante outside of his comfort zone.
Ander Herrera, Mourinho’s de facto leader, was hollering at Fellaini to push higher up inside the first few moments and then did it for him, intercepting Nemanja Matic’s dink - albeit with his hand - and incisively assisting Rashford’s opener.
Chelsea, already destabilised by Thibaut Courtois’ injury, were not allowed to settle by Lingard’s intuitive movement - the ideal foil for Rashford and Pogba was let off the leash. The Youth Cup winners played with Rashford when he was only 12 and their understanding was telepathic as they stunned the Chelsea defence.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic replaced Rashford late on. His ego, massaged throughout the season by Mourinho, could be sore from the criticism he received in the Europa League clash at Anderlecht and the performance United produced in his absence on Sunday.
His goalscoring has won countless points, a major trophy and Ibrahimovic should place the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year trophy on his packed mantlepiece. When Ibrahimovic isn’t scoring, though, he isn’t doing enough and United are effectively reduced to 10 men. He compromises the team’s intensity, which rocketed with the willing Rashford at the tip of the arrow. Ibrahimovic is a help and a hindrance.
Rashford, scolded for his ‘inconsistent’ performance against West Brom a fortnight earlier, has responded magnificently.
The applause was merited.