UEFA Champions League
Pressure Mounts On Mourinho As United Held By Valencia
Manchester United were left frustrated once again as they were held by Valencia at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho would have been looking for a response after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham.
But he failed to get it as United produced another disjointed display, which led to boos from the United fans at full time.
Incredibly United have won only once at Old Trafford, on the opening day of the Premier League season against Leicester.
United fans would have expected a response and quick start from the hosts. However, they lacked tempo, intensity and failed to create any clear cut chances in a poor first half.
Valencia looked comfortable and passed the ball well, which took the sting out of the game as well as the crowd.
United’s best chance fell to Marcus Rashford who cut inside and unleashed a shot from just outside the box, which went just wide.
Valencia were showing great movement up front with midfielder Goncalo Guedes looking a real threat throughout.
Meanwhile, United were disjointed in particular in midfield and were lacking a number 10 who would be able to link the midfield and attack.
Valencia nearly took the lead on 66 minutes.
A cross from Cristiano Piccini found Rodrigo inside the box. The Spaniard laid it off to Michy Batshuayi who blazed his shot over the bar from 10 yards out.
United pressed late on for a winner and came within inches of taking all three points.
A great whipped free kick from Rashford on the angle clipped the crossbar with Neto in the Valencia goal beaten.
Two minutes later Romelu Lukaku spurred a great chance to win it. A corner swung in by Luke Shaw found Lukaku unmarked in the box.
But his header went just over the bar when he really should of hit the target.
Overall it was great point for Valencia. Meanwhile, it was another poor performance from United and questions over Mourinho’s future at the club will continue to arise.
United a Team Of Individuals
In the past United would come out of the blocks, play attacking, pressing football in particular at home.
After Saturday’s display at West Ham you would have expected United to do the above and get the crowd on their side.
However, they were flat once again and were unable to create any clear cut chances in the first half.
They improved after the break but at times they looked like a team of individuals rather than a collective unit.
The balance in midfield looked all wrong with Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellani.
There was no guile in all three players and neither were able to dictate the play and create chances.
Too often United gave the ball away cheaply and were unable to build the play with six or seven passes.
You have to question Mourinho’s tactics and team selection. Why spend over £50 million on Fred and not play him the Champions League?
United were lacking a number 10 in the form of Juan Mata, who would have been able to link the play from midfield to attack.
Also, up front they lacked any movement from Lukaku. Too many times he was too static.
He should have been constantly on the move, trying to drag Valencia’s centre backs to create space.
This was a performance that did nothing to quell the Mourinho doubters.
The boos at the end of the game show what the fans think and the pressure is building not only on Mourinho but the players as well.
Guedes The Nearly Man
Valencia will be happy with a point given their poor start to the La Liga season.
They were impressive in possession and looked a threat going forward. Midfielder Goncalo Guedes was particularly impressive.
His pace caused United’s defence all sorts of problems. He was also positive and always looking to drive forward and create chances.
The one big criticism of Guedes and Valencia as a whole is they lack a cutting edge.
They got themselves in some great attacking positions but that final ball or final finish was missing.
In the second half Guedes had a shot from just inside the box, which he curled just wide.
Guedes’s finishing is one area of his game where he has to improve upon. However, he has all the attributes to become a top player in La Liga.
This could be a key result for Valencia and they will be looking to earn maximum points from their double header against Young Boys.
However, if they are to progress further in Europe, they need more quality in the final third of the pitch.
Next up for Manchester United is Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Valencia face Barcelona on Sunday at the Mestalla in La Liga.
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Photo credit to Donald Trump via Flickr
