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| Photograph: Twitter/@ManUtd |
By Godwin Odiko
Watford had won all their games before playing United at the Vicarage Road on Sunday. And many weren't expecting them to lose to a Manchester United side that lost 3-0 to Spurs at home and 3-2 to Brighton away from home. But by half-time, the Red Devils were already two goals up at Watford. So, what could be taken from the game that ended 2-1 in favor of José Mourinho's men?
United must do everything to keep Pogba
Last week, I mentioned here that Paul Pogba was only playing with his body on the pitch, but not with his mind. And turned out to be United's worst player on the pitch.
But in this game, he was magnificent. Spraying passes beautifully to teammates all over the pitch in a demeanor that suggested - he has moved on from any form of rift between him and his boss.
In the absence of Luke Shaw, the French star was easily United's best player on the pitch.
There is no doubting the 25-year-old quality. He must now focus on his football and forget whatever issue he might have had with the manager in the past. But the club must do everything to keep one of their priceless asset, as losing him for the second time will be a monumental mistake the club must not afford to make.
If the club can't bring in more players of his quality, then, they shouldn't be losing this sort of quality.
Still waiting for Alexis Sanchez's Manchester United debut
For all the hype that surrounded his arrival - including an impressive unveiling that pictured the former Arsenal man playing the piano, he has failed to impress whatsoever on the pitch.
Struggling to complete take-ons, passes are often too heavy and has not been clinical in front of goal.
By the time he was substituted in the 84th minutes, it was (obviously) as a result of another disappointing performance.
Martial is not happy to be left on the bench week in, week out. And Rashford is another very good option in that position. Time is running out for the Chilean. He has to start delivering the goods or get relegated to the bench for other options to thrive.
United lack identity and cohesiveness
The team might have won two games on the trot, but there is still this uncertainty as to what is United's pattern of play.
I don't think the manager knows his best pairing at the back yet. Fellaini might have impressed in the game against Burnley and played to instructions against Watford, but in truth, his lack of creativity and inability to trade simple passes across to teammates most of the time is not ideal for United in midfield.
The attack is not frightening at all.
You look at teams like City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and even Wolves - and without scratching your head you could tell what they are trying to do after 15-20 minutes into a game. You could tell their tactics, their gameplan and you know what their best eleven looks like. But with United, you could barely tell any of those.
We need to find an identity to our play, and the manager must be able to tell his best eleven going forward. Especially in that midfield and attack.
I watched that United's attack against Watford and I can tell what any of those three forwards were trying to do. They were basically just runing and kicking the ball. All of that needs to change. And the change must happen soon.
Follow and interact with me on twitter by clicking on my handle: @GodwinOdiko
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