All eyes were on Radamel Falcao as Manchester United hosted 17th placed Burnley at Old Trafford. Having been wasteful against West Ham United last week, the striker is on borrowed time at Manchester United and his performance in Uniteda s 3-1 win over Burnley hardly deserved any mention. In fact, the Colombian was so disappointing during the game that he stuck out like a sore thumb in Uniteda s nervous performance. Playing catch up to Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton, Manchester United put forward yet against unconvincing display but managed to earn three crucial points that will help them in the race for Champions League football.
Manchester United failed to make an impact during the first half despite going in front early on in the game. The attack was surprisingly coming from Burnley who seemed intent on embarrassing Van Gaala s men who looked completely out of sorts as they stumbled from one misplaced pass to another. Daley Blind brought some sense of calm in the team while Di Maria provided the impetus while going forward. While Robin Van Persie often fell deep to link up with the likes of Di Maria and Rooney, Radamel Falcao went missing for much of the game. Unable to fend off pressure from opposition players, the Colombian even struggled with his first touch and failed to trouble the opposition keeper at all. His lack of pace and dribbling abilities doesna t allow him to get past defenders and while he shouldna t be singled out for a rather drab team-performance, the Colombian definitely failed to justify his hefty price-tag. He was replaced by Wilson in the 74th minute and questions are being asked as to whether Radamel Falcao merits the kind of investment Ed Woodward and Louis Van Gaal have lined up for him in the following summer.
Di Maria And Daley Blind-Van Gaal’s Summer Signings Come Good
Playing on the tip of the diamond formation, Angel Di Maria was at his devastating best yesterday and led the Red Devils with his mesmerizing runs and dribbling skills. The Argentine is slowly fitting into Van Gaala s plan at Manchester United and was one of the few players who put forward a spirited display on Wednesday. The other being Daley Blind. The Dutch international once again proved that Van Gaal was absolutely correct in bringing him to Old Trafford. Though he only played the opening 40 minutes of the game, Daley Blind brought a sense of confidence and calm to the team amidst some rather shabby and nervous defending. However, as has been the case with Manchester United this season, he had to limp away with an injury, leaving Van Gaal with yet another head-ache.
What is The Future Of Wayne Rooney?
What is the future of Wayne Rooney at Manchester United? Is Rooney going to serve Van Gaal in the midfield or is he being used as a temporary midfielder until Van Gaal goes shopping in the summer? While Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao struggled in the other half, Uniteda s best striker languished in a central midfield role, trying his best to tie the loose ends for the team. Rooneya s recent performances have made it clear that the Englishman is not ready to play in the midfield and given the form of his fellow strikers, it is quite evident that he would be much more productive playing alongside Robin Van Persie as a striker. So is Van Gaal waiting to sign a world-class midfielder and then promote Rooney to the attack? Ask Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini.