Gary Neville Explains The Type Of Player United Are Missing
Reuters / Andrew Couldridge
Manchester United were wretched following a defeat against their arch-rivals Chelsea. The Red Devils’ supporters were evidently unsettled in view of the fact that the other side dominated the game in both offensive and defensive areas.
However, Gary Neville has palpably discerned what the Old Trafford outfit was limited in, particularly in Sunday’s substantial fixture against the Blues. Notwithstanding the fact that they ameliorated their approach to the game from the tactics they had in possession at Anfield earlier this season, Conte’s men proved to be a better side in terms of offensive plays.
Mourinho’s side barely created any admirable chances, and furthermore, had to recourse to hoofing the ball towards Marouane Fellaini in the late stages of the match while grappling for no less than a point. Regardless, Gary Neville spotted that United actually experienced a shortage of creative players like Cesc Fabregas of the opposition.
“United were just well short in that area,” claimed the former Manchester United defender.
Several Chelsea players, including Alvaro Morata, Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas, operated respectably. However, Fabregas earned quite the attention owing to the tranquillity the Spaniard showcased amidst the frenetic game.
The 30-year-old pulled the strings notably, proceeding as far as creating five chances in the first half. The midfield maestro, using his technique, ball control, vision, and passing ability, dictated the tempo of his team’s play to an ineffable extent.
Reuters / Darren Staples
Gary has pointed out that the Red Devils are deficient in a midfielder alike the Spanish international, who can control the flow of the game from a deep creative role. Posterior to Sunday’s match at London, the Sky Sports pundit proclaimed: “I thought they got killed in midfield.
“Jose Mourinho, since the Liverpool game, has talked about not being able to freshen it up. I thought Herrera, Matic and Mkhitaryan got absolutely ambushed. Kante was doing his job brilliantly, Bakayoko was running off him, Hazard and Fabregas were dropping in and controlling the match.
“United were just well short in that area. If you dominate midfield in the big games, you’re in business and Chelsea did. I think Pogba is a big miss because of his confidence and arrogance. He takes the ball into tight areas, holds the ball, beats a man.
“Michael Carrick, too – he delivers those passes up to strikers, to the side of defenders, and I think those two players would have made a big difference.”
Despite the desolating result, the Old Trafford outfit is expected to outdo its recent performances, as United are nevertheless residing in the second position in the league table, being separated from the team at the top by a margin of eight points.
Written by Kunal Kambli 
An introverted grammar pedantic who worships football and loves writing about it. Part of the BlameFootball team since 2016.