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Manchester United were thoroughly outclassed by Juventus in their Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday night. The 1-0 scoreline, in favour of the Italians, does not tell the full story of what was, in fact, a largely one-sided affair at Old Trafford.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men were in total control for the vast majority of the match, especially in the first half, when they claimed over 70% of the possession. They also managed a pass success rate of 89% – a sharp contrast to the Red Devils’ 80%. The Old Lady also mustered five shots on target, whereas the home side could only test the ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny twice. Were it not for the heroics of David de Gea (as is so often the case), Cristiano Ronaldo would have marked his return to the Theatre of Dreams with a goal.
The Spanish goalkeeper is one of the few United players who can reflect upon Tuesday night’s clash with a great degree of pride. Paul Pogba also showed flashes of his brilliance and came closer than any of his teammates to scoring, whilst Ashley Young coped better at right-back than a 33-year-old converted winger has any right to.
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It is not a great surprise that de Gea, Pogba and Young were impressive on the night, as they’re generally amongst the most reliable members of Jose Mourinho’s squad. Far more surprising, however, was Victor Lindelof’s greatly improved performance in the heart of the home side’s defence.
The 27-cap Sweden international centre-back has become a much maligned figure at Old Trafford since his arrival in England in the summer of 2017. The 24-year-old has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has failed to find any kind of consistent form for his new club. However, with almost all of United’s defenders in dreadful form at present, the blame for Lindelof’s – and his teammates’ – woes must be attributed to Mourinho to some extent.
United fans could be forgiven for having a lack of confidence in Lindelof ahead of kick off against the Turin giants, but come the final whistle they could look back upon his performance as one of the highlights of an otherwise miserable ordeal.
Whilst he was a little caught out for Paulo Dybala’s goal, Lindelof otherwise held firm and strong in the face of top quality opposition. His tally of three interceptions and five clearances – in both cases he was more productive than any other United player – demonstrates that his positioning was largely exemplary. The centre-back was also able to block a single shot that might otherwise have doubled the visitors’ lead.
On top of that, Lindelof managed to go the whole game without committing a single foul. Those beside him in Mourinho’s back four – Chris Smalling, Ashley Young, Luke Shaw – were guilty of eleven fouls between them. Given the danger that Juve pose from set-piece situations, United ought to be grateful for how clean Lindelof was in the challenge.
Aside from his essential defensive work, Lindelof was equally impressive in possession. With his side already under pressure, it was vital that the centre-back didn’t play United into any more trouble whilst he was on the ball. The Swede achieved a pass accuracy rating of 86.5%. Of all the United players, only Juan Mata was more reliable in his distribution than Lindelof.
After a turbulent first year in Manchester, the oft-criticised Lindelof showed on Tuesday night that he has what it takes to step up to the standard expected of United defenders. If he can now produce that performance level on a consistent basis, then he could yet come good for the north west club.
Had each of Mourinho’s men at the back been as good as Lindelof in midweek, then the club may now be basking in the glow of a hard fought draw with the reigning Italian champions.