WBA - Away Day Win

I was hoping for a more emphatic start to the season from United after last weeks performance in the community shield, but the important thing was of course the three points that we earned. Considering the torrid time we had last season away from home in the league, not earning our first 3points outside of Old Trafford until the week before Halloween. Glad to have that out of the way because I don't think we can afford to through away so many points this season and still finish top.

The game started off bright with United pinning West Brom into their own box, with a few corners and a free kick from just outside the box which where delivered into the box by Anderson & Young.These looked much more dangerous, than any of the set-pieces we were delivering in last year so hopefully it's an area we can improve upon this year. 

I'm not going to do a match report, because I'm sure if you weren't watching it, you've seen it by now, on TV or on-line. Im just going to select a few of the major talking points, arising from the match.

Dodgy de Gea?

I've already made my feelings clear on this matter, after the Community Shield game (in Season Starts Now) and my feelings remain the same. We have to support de Gea, we cant expect him to walk in and be an instant replacement for Van der Sar, that's not how it works. He is only 20 years old, he has moved to a completely different country, he has moved to one of the biggest clubs in the world where he is expected to step right in to the first team. The unfortunate thing about being a goalkeeper is that there is nowhere to hide, you cannot be slowly integrated into the squad with 20mins here and there. You are in with the spot light from the very beginning. The other issue with being a goalkeeper is that if you do make a mistake, it will almost certainly cost a goal. 

This is exactly what de Gea has done in his first few games, made a couple of mistakes. I'm not denying this, but rather than jump on the band wagon and decided he shouldn't be the 1st team goalkeeper, we should be thank-full we have went on to win both games as he is making his transaction. He will take time to adjust, but given that time, he will settle and begin to impress at Old Trafford.

Defensive Injury Crisis?

Four of or eight first team defenders are currently injured, Evra is expected to be back for next week, so if he is fit to return that will ease worries a little. Rafael is reportedly out for 10weeks, requiring surgery. Rio will also be out for 6weeks, with a hamstring injury & it is still unclear how long Vidic could be out for.

The problem does not lie in the fact that the four our out because I have great faith in our second string defensive line up. Rather the problem may occur if we any of them where to pick up an injury. We don't want to end up stretched at the back as we where a few seasons ago when we had Carrick & Fletcher in defence and paid the price. Without them injuries we could have even went on to win the league for the record 4th time in a row. This year we have much greater strength and depth in the defensive area so hopefully Evra will return and this will be the only bad luck we have with injuries this year, because injuries can ruin seasons.

MotM - Ashley Young

Ashley Young picked up the man of the match award. Fully deserved in my opinion, he looks made for United, just as Valencia did when he joined. he hugs the left touchline and is always looking for that killer cross. He looks to have settled in well, stating himself the fact that he knew a number of the fellas, from the England set-up and also signing in time for the pre-season tour allowed him to meet all the players too.

He gained an assist for Rooney's goal and played a bit of pinball as he created the second goal. Long may his confidence and effectiveness continue.

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