Another away draw (vs Marseille)

By: Shaun | February 23rd, 2011
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Not much to say about this game is there? A rather uninteresting affair with both teams loading up in midfield and cancelling each other out. Having seen the squad that flew out to the south of France for this game, I can’t say I’m too unhappy about the result. What makes the result tough to accept in hindsight is that Marseille very generally underwhelming throughout, but we weren’t any better.

Impressions:

1.Gibson actually did okay for once. In light of all the bashing he’s received from fans this season, this was one of his better outings. Granted, there was no defense splitting pass or thunderbolt shot from long distance, but he scurried around the pitch and made runs forward to drag defenders with him and open up passing lanes. In short, the effort that’s generally been missing from him was on display today.

2.Carrick on the other hand did not do anything noteworthy. For someone of his caliber with the proven ability to pick out a pass at will, this performance was not up to par. Yes, he didn’t give the ball away in bad spots the way he’s done in the past, but most of his passes just seemed to go sideways or back. We already have Fletcher to do that.

3.Nani (as usual) looked the most likely person to unlock the Marseille backline. He had his usual moves, but made some poor decisions when it counted. Not one of his better games this season. Then again, we can’t expect him to carry the team in every game.

4.Were we saving Paul Scholes for the “massive” encounter against Wigan over the weekend? Why start Gibson over Scholes when we already had Rooney and Nani tucked alongside Fletch and Carrick in midfield? We were so much more composed in possession once the ginger prince was introduced. Is SAF trying to convince Scholes to retire soon?

5.Smalling, despite some nervous passes early on, came through with some timely interceptions and blocks. I sound like a broken record, but with more exposure on the big stage, he’ll soon have the necessary experience to match his talent and composure on the ball.

6.Rooney kept coming deep to get involved. I love that he itches to get involved with the play and I don’t blame him for wanting to make things happen. That left wing role isn’t his best position and we would have probably seen him trouble the Marseille backline a lot more as a lone striker had Giggs been fit to make the trip.

7.Would have loved to see Chicharito get a run out today. Think he would have fancied nicking a goal toward the end.

All things considered, this wasn’t a bad result. We were missing Rio at the back and opted to sit Scholes. Without the inspiration of Giggs in the squad, our midfield looked the way it has for most of this season – average at best.

At least we didn’t concede a goal. If we get Rio and Giggs back in time for the return leg, I fancy our chances. Keep in mind that Gignac will probably be back for them by then and could cause Vidic a massive headache.

Wait, what am I saying? It’s at OT. The place where we grind our results even if our performances may be downright awful. If it’s enough to move us into the next around, I guess I won’t really care.

Some Related Man United Posts:Marseille it isDraw # 7 (vs Villa)One more away draw to end 2010 (vs Birmingham)Squad to face MarseilleHard fought win at Ibrox (vs Rangers)
Category: Champions League, Manchester United, Match Reports Tags: Carrick, Champions League, Darron Gibson, Manchester United, Match Reports, Nani, Rooney
    Tweet « Squad to face Marseille | Home | ground penetrating radarSeems I didn't fail to spot much at all!BaldrickSuch a dull match I fell asleep on the sofa and missed the entire second half. Seems I didn't miss much at all!Wakkawhat?? carrick gave the ball away in dangerous positions 2-3 times trying to make the simplest of passes.

Gibson played ok?

were we all watching the same game???Shaunmaybe it happened when i nearly dozed off from boredom.

gibson played ok RELATIVE to the other performances he's put in this season. Which really, doesn't say very much.GIGGSYI THINK OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED, ESPECIALLY WITH DALGLISH BACK AT LIVERPOOL. TIME TO GO NOW FERGIE.blog comments powered by Disqus
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