Following a disappointing start to the season, Manchester United have roared back into gear and are looking like their old selves after handing out a 4-2 battering to their city rivals in Blue last weekend.
– INTERVIEW: Godin ready to go to war for Simeone
– VIDEO: Rodgers discusses latest Sterling controversy
– OFF THE BAR: X-Files to investigate ‘missing’ Yaya
Here, we take a look at why Louis van Gaal’s men are enjoying such a fine return to form.
LESS TINKERING
Having tried to find room for big names and big-money buys in different formations, including three centre-backs, Louis van Gaal has realised his mistakes and finally stopped chopping and changing to discover his best team.
In sticking with a regular starting line-up and proving reputations mean nothing with Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo on the bench, United have settled and sparkled.
Daley Blind has looked more comfortable and assured at left-back, while the centre-back partnership of England duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones could blossom. Ander Herrera and Juan Mata have blended beautifully in midfield too.
FELLAINI ON FIRE
Marouane Fellaini’s game by numbers vs Man City: 1 goal 1 tackle won 2 interceptions 2 clearances 8 aerial duels won pic.twitter.com/WvD1EiRe2Y
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 12, 2015
The big Belgian was widely considered to have no future at Old Trafford under Van Gaal. But the hair-raiser has raised hell after last season’s jibes amid poor performances following his move from Everton. He has gone from flop to un-droppable with some towering performances to torment the opposition.
Van Gaal has played to his strengths by pushing him further forward and it has worked a treat. He may be ungainly, look unconvincing on the ball, but he has become the destroyer of defences to create space and chances for his team and pop up with crucial goals.
ROONEY UP FRONT
There’s not a manager who would have turned down Falcao on loan in the summer had they the budget or no Financial Fair Play restrictions. But it hasn’t worked out for the Colombian, nor for Robin van Persie under his former Holland coach. Instead, Rooney has revelled in a return to the frontline and spearhead of their strikeforce.
90 – Wayne Rooney has now assisted 90 Premier League goals in his top-flight career. Captain.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 12, 2015
While a deeper midfield role may well be the future, the experiment didn’t work, and the captain’s leadership and lethal touch is needed for the present. Rooney has re-energised a fading attack.
FRESH START
When he took over Van Gaal gave all his players a chance to show they had a part to play in the club’s future.
While Nani and Danny Welbeck departed, Ashley Young and Mata, along with Fellaini, were kept on and have proved their worth.
Their class has come to the fore in the club’s upturn in fortunes. Winger Young, who was used at wing-back earlier in the campaign, was at his creative best upfield against City and never gave Pablo Zabaleta a moment’s peace. England boss Roy Hodgson should take note.
Juan Mata’s last 4 Premier League goals for Man Utd: 3 vs Liverpool 1 vs Man City How to get the fans on your side. pic.twitter.com/ipgoC0VFtn
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 12, 2015
Mata has been bright and busy and showed he is enjoying his football again.
WORK ETHIC
With six straight league wins, Van Gaal has talked about the benefits of the ‘process’ and that could allude to work on the training ground to get his players prepared, tactically and physically.
Rooney says no detail is ignored in their preparation of the opposition and that has been clear in impressive wins over Liverpool, Spurs and now City.
It has not been the powerhouse performances of old during Sir Alex Ferguson’s days in charge, and they are not feared as they once were, but United have out-run, out-fought and out-witted opponents.
