What clues does United’s easy victory against Wigan give us about Moyes’ new look team…?
Manchester United strolled to a 2-0 win against Championship side Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield yesterday…
But what can we learn about David Moyes’ Manchester United team from the performance?
1) Any side with Robin Van Persie in it will win matches…
David Moyes is won of the luckiest managers in the world, in that he’s walked into a job where the country’s best attacker already plays for him. Van Persie looked incredibly sharp at Wembley, scoring twice, holding the ball up, and even working the channels like a young, hungry striker. Regardless of tactics, new signings, and the future of Wayne Rooney; when Van Persie is playing up top – United will win matches.
2) Moyes wants to give Wilfried Zaha a chance…
Just like most of pre-season, Moyes was more than happy to start Zaha wide on the right. The player had a mixed afternoon, skinning defenders with ease before losing possession after being a little too ambitious. What is certain though, is that the talent is there. Moyes maybe perhaps prefers his speed, dynamism and physicality to Kagawa’s intricacy, so do not be surprised to see Zaha starting against Swansea in the Premier League opener.
3) ‘The Everton way’ is dead…
Manchester United will continue to play the passing brand of football they have done for as long as anyone can remember, and will not revert to a rougher approach Moyes employed with Everton. Of course, Moyes played the way he did with the Toffees to maximise his player’s potential. Now with far more technically capable footballers, the Scottish boss was happy to encourage his side to play short passing, slick football at Wembley yesterday. Fans will hope it continues against stronger opposition.
4) British is best for Moyes…
Like he often did at Everton, Moyes picked as British a team as possible for yesterday’s big Wembley match. Carrick, Giggs and Cleverley dominated the midfield, while Zaha and Welbeck were selected to start ahead of Valencia and Kagawa out wide. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling also looked composed in defence; while at one point the only foreign players in United’s side were key men De Gea, Vidic, Evra and Van Persie. Moyes could use a strong British base surrounded by world-class foreign talent.
COMMENTS