I watched the game on Saturday between Manchester United v Tottenham. United were very shaky in the first 25 minutes and got fairly lucky with the goal they scored with the lapse of concentration from Bentaleb as well as fortunate misjudgement (or whatever you want to call it) from Kyle Walker. They didn't show much attacking impetus during the whole game against a not so stellar Spurs team. The standout performances in that match for the Red Devils was Darmian who had a really good debut, he seemed very comfortable and also Schneiderlin who carried on his form from Southampton over to Manchester. The centre of defense seems a bit dubious at times for United, especially with Blind being a makeshift CB. The Midfield outside of Schneiderlin doesn't seem quite sharp either. I joked with my friend that Bastian Schweinstieger was just a glorified Joe Allen which doesn't seem too far off given the cameo appearance he had.
The biggest problem of our squad is CB. I am saying that since...I don't know, I guess from last two years. Yet, we never made a good attempt in fixing it. We need either Otamendi or probably Stones(if he comes, but I know it won't be easy to get him, considering that we have Chelsea and many other top clubs in the race). Our defence was weak against spurs, but I guess it is more than enough to hold up against Villa(at least on paper).
Bastian has just arrived at Manchester and considering the injury he had in Bayern, I guess Van Gaal wants to go easy on him, in the beginning. He also said today that he is recovered so hoping for him to start pretty soon though he will only make a cameo against Villa.
The biggest mistake we did against spurs was allowing Depay to play as number 10, behind Rooney, which was a really bad idea. He needs to swap with Mata and play down the wings, who in turn can play as number 10(he has a really good record as a number 10, mind you).
So I hope Van Gaal fixes this small things. I am expecting Herrera to start this time, alongside Scheinderlin, which will boost our midfield.
Rooney doesn't seem like the sharpshooter he once was. I guess having a season where you don't predominantly play as a striker does that to you and with him being a lone striker in this Van Gaal system, I am not too worried about him, especially with the pace and power of Micah Richards and Ciaran Clark holding the back-line. The only threats would be from out wide with Depay and Mata. If Depay really turns up, I don't think Leandro Bacuna could handle him out on the right flank. Mata is another case, I don't really buy him as a winger. He lacks the pace to play in that position and Jordan Amavi will do well with keeping him in his pocket I believe.
Rooney isn't a sharpshooter, I completely agree, but he isn't someone you should take lightly. He scored 14 goals last season and was United top scorer, even when we had Van Persie and Mata to contribute. Mata lacks pace, but can contribute really well in terms of assists and goals(he was second highest goal scorer last season alongside RVP), as a number 10(provided that he plays as number 10).
Micah Richards need to closely mark Mata if he plays as number 10.
Plus we have in form wing backs(Shaw and Darmian) which provide good runs on the flank. Young had a really good last season and can
be really dangerous on the flank.
I think Aston Villa can really expose Manchester United's frailties in the defense. With the pace provided by Sinclair, Bacuna, Amavi (possibly Agbonlahor) down the wings and the creative awareness of Westwood and Veretout in the middle of the park to pick them out. I can see Rudy Gestede playing this game since Daley Blind is currently being employed as a CB who isn't the tallest of men against a 6'4 powerhouse in Gestede who won 6 aerial battles when he came on against Bournemouth in around the 70th minute last weekend.
Shaw defended really well last time around and so did Darmian, making runs down the wings is the toughest thing to do atm. To mark your forwards we have Smalling at the center of the park, who marked Kane really well against Spurs. If he can mark Kane, I don't really see a reason for him to not able to contain these players.
Also playing a factor would be the crowd. The summer signings that Tim Sherwood has brought in to the team, as well as the attitude he brings forth to the club has really galvanized the team and it being the first game of the season at home, the crowd will be amazing.
History says that United never lost a Permier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park since 1995, so I don't think crowd matters much.
Yet, I am expecting a good match, but I would still like to give it to United by at least 1-0(might very well be 2-0).
