United second stringers flop
ROTATION: DECISION TO SHUFFLE THE PACK BACKFIRES
Manchester United’s 13-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end with a shock 2-1 home defeat to rock-bottom Sheffield United on Wednesday as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s back-up players failed to deliver.
In a season with an intense schedule, teams have been forced to shuffle their packs to keep players fresh.
Yet Solskjaer’s squad rotation against Sheffield United resulted in a performance that would not have been out of place during some of the low points of his time at the club.
The pairing of Scott McTominay and Brazilian Fred at the base of the midfield has worked well throughout their recent run of good form but without them, United were back to the ponderous and hesitant, slow build-up play that rarely suits them.
Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba did not bring that same level of intensity and ability to keep the tempo up and the pressure on their opponents.
Sheffield United defended superbly, with the 38-year-old Phil Jagielka keeping them compact and focused, but United simply did not ask them enough difficult questions.
Solskjaer avoided blaming individuals but was clearly unhappy with the performance.
“There will be no big inquest. There have been so many odd results this season but with the world as it is, we have been the most consistent team, it hit us today,” said Solskjaer.
“Disappointed we couldn’t get to the heights of the last few months’ football we played.
“Very disappointing, we couldn’t find a solution to their very compact block and good defence,” added the United manager. –