Manchester United took UEL control at Old Trafford.
I found it a little bit painful not to have been able to see the first half of the match between Manchester United and AS Roma tonight. As a United fan, I knew it would be a win or draw for us but my only fear was how United was going to play safely and tactically without giving AS Roma more advantage with away goals.
About forty minutes into the match, I saw United's lineup on the internet and I was nothing but happy, it seemed like for the very first time Ole (United's Manager) played what I had written on my heart plate as the lineup.
I had the believe before the match that Roma was going to play heavy attacks knowing fully well the kinds of players they've got in their front line. Pellegrini, Dzeko, and Mkhitaryan are strong treats for United defense and I was quite happy Pedro wasn't around to make Roma's front line more solid because, then, I don't really trust United's defense line except whenever we get to play double 4 who are currently on form like we did and played today.
I saw the highlight of the early goal Bruno had for Manchester United with the beautiful assistance from Cavani who was just on fire for United last night. Bruno had two goals and two assists in the match. The second half I watch, I saw him coordinating so many attacking forces with the touches and I was glad he did found himself that healthy and helpful in the match just like Cavani did.
Seeing the second half of the game, I noticed Rashford was quite off in the match, and I was glad Ole also observed that same thing. After few minutes into the second half with Shaw, Bruno, Pogba, and Cavani's combined efforts, I then ask myself - "How manage did Roma get to take the lead or even score the two goals they had in the match.
AS Roma had just two attempts in the first half and they got two goals of which one was penalty and United had 8 attempts of which three was on target and just one made the net. Well, I believe the only mistake AS Roma made in the second half was thinking and hoping they could defend their lead till the end of the match.
The very moment I believed United for a win was when I saw AS Roma full backs (Ibanez and Smalling) suffering from heavy physical touches from the United forwards just because AS Roma's central and defensive midfielders were less active in making the right markings, that got Ibanez to be forced to make many tackles and also pushed Smalling into frustration and then, he got carded and also delivered a penalty kick into Manchester United's hands.
Just immediately after my observations, I was then hoping United who were having the match under serious control while is was still 2-2 to be able to score at least two more goals in order to at least break the edge of the two ago goals Roma had already, and I got surprised even more!
Within the 64th and the 74th minutes, that's about 11 minutes interval, United had full attacking force on Roma which led to United having to score three goals in the space of that very 11 minutes, and at the particular time during the match, it got done on me that United has not just won this match but could also get more goals, and then the right decision came into place, which was bringing in Greenwood.
I believe and knew bringing in Greenwood even in the late time would have United with more crucial chances but then, my fear was leaving Shaw helpless because I knew Greenwood wouldn't like to stay on the left flank with Shaw, and that led to having Pogba to take place of Rashford's position to play effectively with Shaw while Greenwood stayed on the right flank which is his most convenient position.
Pogba isn't fast, and that would make it difficult for Shaw to make his regular moves on his flank, that was something I thought would be a problem but then, I love Pogba for understanding his strengths and weaknesses, he hard most of the balls on the left flank crossed back to the right flank for Greenwood and Bissaka to play at freewill. And some sometimes be ball goes back to Bruno in the middle, and he plays just right with Cavani!
ROAD TO ITALY!
Manchester United had gone to Italy certainly to have victory over AC Milan in the very competition, and would be doing the same again against AS Roma by next week Thursday. With what happened and what I saw last night, I am totally confident that United would make it to the finals of the UEL already, but my fear is having Ole (United's Manager) gambling the second leg which is next week by resting some key players. Ole could love to do that but I personally do not see the reason for that as United isn't fighting for anything else this season which is as important as winning the UEL.
I believe United had sealed their position at 2nd in the EPL for this season already and the best they can fight for is winning the UEL. Whichever team United would be facing in the finals, be it Arsenal or Villarreal, United still has this upper hand than the both of them considering current forms and team's strengths.
United sincerely deserve a trophy this season, and as it is, if they can't and won't to all it takes to win this UEL this season, then they have definitely failed more than just their fans but all lovers of good football. The saga isn't done yet, and the second leg at Italy is very much important too. I just hope Ole's side doesn't go there to defend because they had six goals already, for that could be a very dangerous thing to do against a team such as AS Roma!
All pictures are screenshots on my mobile phone.
Cc. @cryptoandcoffee