Superb win.
I know there’s a concern about our midfield but there are more good than bad signs this early on in the season.
The biggest positives, look at Erling, he’s hungry this year, one of the best performances by a 9 of recent. He looks sharper, much more complete, holds up play a lot more, understands teammates, demands more of them. That is captain material.
Excellent debut for Donnarumma, once again, he will concede goals or have the odd error. But if baffles me how many people thought we’d always play the same way. Yesterday will shut a lot of tacticos right up. That’s a proper keeper there, big, commanding, yelled at Ruben and co a few times to keep close track of United players, produced a big save. The team looked very comfortable at the back, don’t know how else to put it, but they never seemed as confident with Trafford.
Khusanov is a brilliant signing, he is rapid and strong. His only issue is rushing into tackles sometimes, but that will improve.
Phil also did his thing, it’s only a matter of finding rhythm for him, once he does, he is a difference maker, whether some people (including some of our fans) choose to believe it or not. We are a better team with him starting regularly.
Another big plus for me, the lineup yesterday looked comfortable because of legs and physicality. Big up to Nico O Reilly for that left back shift again. Gvardiol looked comfortable as ever.
I can keep going, that was another decent 75 minutes for Rodri, looks rusty but that is normal, we will always be a better team with him in it. Reijnders wasn’t good but improved as the game went on and should’ve scored, once again that is the kind of physicality and runs from midfield you expect from our players.
Lastly, he’s received a lot of criticism, but Doku was sensational yesterday. Arguably his best game for us. That’s what we need, he was strong, not just dribbling for the sake of, always looking for midfield runs and most importantly, Haaland’s runs.
There’s a lot to come from this team. Yes there are some concerns, but plenty of reasons to be positive. Onto Napoli and Arsenal. CTID