New Delhi: The pressure on Louis van Gaal kept growing further despite Manchester United ending a four-match losing streak by drawing 0-0 against Chelsea in a crucial Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Monday.
United who started the game on the front foot, cooled off and Chelsea had control towards the end as the visitors would be happy with a point. United had two shots denied by the bar as both teams missed chances to say a draw was a fair result in the end.
Gaal’s side went up to fifth in the standings but they are winless in eight games across all competitions.
With just three points taken from a possible 18, Gaal’s future remains on the brink as United think tank may opt for change of guard.
Here are the five things we learned from the game.
Both goalkeepers were stupendous on the night: Similar story for United in the game as they were dependant on David De Gea’s magnificence who denied John Terry’s bullet header with an acrobatic save. He then made a double save off Pedro first followed by a strong arm to deny Cesar Azpilicueta from the near corner. His counterpart Thiabut Courtois pulled of a stunner to deny Ander Herrera.
Wayne Rooney fails to spark once again: The United skipper started the game this time but failed to create anything for his side. Rooney looked out of pace and couldn’t dictate the proceedings. It isn’t just happening for the England forward as he volleyed a clear chance from open goal above the post which summed up his night.
Eden Hazard isn’t a centre-forward: Eden Hazard’s impact on the game didn’t have a saying after the Belgian was put in the team as the lone striker. That isn’t his position and Chelsea didn’t have recognised strikers on the team sheet. Hazard often made runs that strikers don’t do and his positioning was poor. Chelsea lacked people in the box in United’s half and their crosses didn’t work.
United’s intensity lack despite strong start: It was a fresh spirit at Old Trafford as United played more direct and eked out two chances that hit the post in the opening 30 minutes. But then all that intensity faded off as Chelsea grew more comfortable in the game and had better chances from there on. United dominated possession as expected but couldn’t convert them.
United’s players lack quality: Despite 250m GBP spent on transfers under Louis van Gaal, United are a misbalanced side with mediocre players. The side lack pace and creativity and few chances that they create aren’t finished. So much money for so less goals and creativity and a vulnerable looking side isn’t what the hierarchy would have expected. Sad reality this!
