As a manager, Michael Carrick has a perfect record, having won his first game in charge of Manchester United.
The Reds won 2-0 away against Villarreal in the Champions League, sinking down the distress created due to the past few matches. The contest began after a brief pause due to a technical issue with the referee’s communication system.
McTominay had the first genuine chance for United when he hit a header off a Telles free-kick, but he could only find the side netting. Villarreal had a fantastic attempt on the goal that De Gea got down and saved it. This game had the potential to go either way.
Villarreal became more involved in the game, and United’s lack of confidence began to show as their defense was called into action several times.
🟥 2-1 vs. Young Boys
🟩 2-1 vs. Villarreal
🟩 3-2 vs. Atalanta
🟧 2-2 vs. Atalanta
🟩 2-0 vs. VillarrealIt wasn’t plain sailing, but Manchester United are confirmed as Group F winners. #UCL pic.twitter.com/wNU26lEbiP
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 23, 2021
Around the half-hour mark, David de Gea made another fantastic save, this time low to his right, to hold the score at 0-0. Telles provided a fantastic cross towards Ronaldo, who leaped high above everyone else and headed it into the goalkeeper’s hands moments later.
At halftime, the score was even, but Villarreal started the second half on the front foot, getting an early corner.
Fred had the biggest chance for Manchester United, striking from outside the area, but it nestled securely into the arms of the goalie. In the 59th minute, De Gea kept United in the game when Trigueros had a strong shot on target and the United goalkeeper made an unbelievable stop to deny Villarreal the lead.
United was digging deeper and deeper, so it was time to mix things up with the introductions of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. These substitutions by Michael Carrick turned the game in United’s favor.
The finest chance for United came from Jadon Sancho, who was able to cut through the Villarreal defenders and get his shot away thanks to United’s link-up play, but the keeper made a wonderful save with his foot to deny the Reds their first goal.
The visitors made the breakthrough shortly later! Fred’s tight pressing forced Villarreal into an error on a goal kick. It landed well for Ronaldo, who was well aware of the goalkeeper’s position and chipped it over the line and into the net. The away fans chanted, “Viva Ronaldo!”
Ronaldo was given another chance to score, as he hit a strong header to the keeper with the outside of his right foot, but it went just wide.
Marcus Rashford had a chance moments later, but the goalkeeper saved it brilliantly. The latter made a move into the area after a good link-up play between Rashford and Wan-Bissaka, but his cross was blocked.
United maintained their intensity, and a fantastic team goal resulted. Ronaldo laid a pass to Rashford who then played it to Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese played a clever ball to Jadon Sancho who then finished it in style to score his first Manchester United goal. He deserved that goal after working so hard all night.
Here are our three points from the match:
Progress has been made.
It wasn’t perfect, but Michael Carrick and Manchester United got the job done tonight.
Pre-match, the new (interim) manager made some important decisions, dropping Bruno Fernandes and starting Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho.
There was always going to be a lot of curiosity in how United played this game tactically, and we got a more compact and defensively-minded lineup, which was not always on display under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The victory in the Estadio de la Cerámica was far from perfect, and the visitors did get lucky on a few occasions, but it was enough to secure a place in the Champions League last-16. When the Champions League resumes in February, the picture for Manchester United will be significantly different, as there will be a new man in control of the teams.
For Carrick, it was important to make progress with as little hassle as possible. The mission has been completed.
Inevitable
Cristiano Ronaldo once again came to our rescue in the Champions League.
As the game approached a draw, it appeared as if Carrick’s side had been able to disturb the opposition defense, but they didn’t appear to be capable of scoring a winner. In the 78th minute, the Portuguese forward stepped up and coolly lofted the ball over Gerónimo Rulli, sending the fans into a frenzy.
This goal adds to the 36-year old’s tally of crucial Champions League goals for the team this season. He has already scored six goals in five Champions League matches for Man United this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a #UCL goal every 72 minutes on average so far this season.
Another big goal on the big stage. 💥 pic.twitter.com/VqKbTjwEFS
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 23, 2021
There was the 81st-minute winner against Atalanta, the stoppage-time equalizer in the rematch, and the 95th-minute winner in the reversal of this match. He may be accused of not pressing hard enough, but United would not be in the tournament if he didn’t play.
Dave comes to the rescue.
If David De Gea hadn’t been on form upon his return to Spain, the situation may have been quite different. United’s goalkeeper made two world-class one-handed stops to deny Villarreal’s Manu Trigueros on two separate occasions.
These are the kinds of saves that feel crucial at the time, and they proved to be crucial as the Red Devils clung on late to take their chances.
In recent seasons, the 31-year-old appeared to have lost his way, with a definite drop-off in his performances, but 2021/22 has seen a true comeback of the vintage David de Gea.
Tonight, as United’s European journey continues, supporters will be even more grateful as our David has returned.
