Manchester United swept aside a rock-bottom Crystal Palace to continue their dominance in the Premier League. Marouane Fellaini was the unlikely hero as his brace helped United register yet another 4-0 victory this season. Romelu Lukaku found the back of the net for his 7th goal of the season. He has now scored in every game this season with the exception of the game against Leicester City.
There were plenty of talking points as United overcame yet another test at home.
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Marouane Fellaini – The man of the hour?
For most of his United career, Marouane Fellaini has been a scapegoat for most of the team’s failures. His introduction is treated with groans, and his departure from the pitch is treated with sarcastic applause from most of the fans. For any footballer, that’s the absolute worst that can happen. But it’s baffling, Manchester United have had managers come and go, players come and go, but Fellaini is still a constant in the United team. For some reason, he was preferred in central midfield by not one, but three United managers. He is United’s ultimate weapon. He can disappoint on his off days, but when in fine form, he’s a force that leaves the opposition searching for answers. Paul Pogba’s absence has left a massive gaping hole in United’s midfield. On the occasion, however, Fellaini delivered. This is his time to prove his worth, and he’s doing it just right, one game at a time.
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Romelu Lukaku is what United have been missing up front
Romelu Lukaku scored yet again, extending his run to 11 games in all competitions this season. He has managed to score in every game this season, bar one against Leicester City. He is now the only player, apart from Andy Cole to have scored 7 in the first 7 games of the season. The game saw the good and the bad of Lukaku. Though he did end up with a goal, he had another glorious opportunity to score but parried his shot wide. But he showed shades of the world-class striker that he is in his goal. Having started the attack, he moved away from the area of action and headed straight into the box being the ultimate opportunist that he is. He was prolific, give him one chance and he will score!
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Ashley Young reviving the old fashioned wing play
Ashley Young has been a new signing of sorts, with his new role as the team’s LB. We’ve already seen Antonio Valencia successfully convert as a fullback and we might be seeing another such transformation with Ashley Young. A traditional winger, Young has a banger of a right foot. The whip he produces in his crosses is magnificent and he has already helped himself to three assists this season. Manchester United in their most successful spell were a ruthless force down the wings and relied heavily on service from the flanks, and this team seems to be no different.
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Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford should play together
Manchester United’s attacking trio has been on fire this season. This trio, however, does not start together. Most of the damage up front has been caused by Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. While Lukaku is a mainstay in the United squad, Martial and Rashford have been forced to play bit-part roles this season. This match too saw flashes of brilliance from both of the youngsters and it may leave many wondering, could they start together?
Marcus Rashford is still far from the finished product but he needs minutes under his belt to progress. Anthony Martial is in scintillating form, making it unfair to sit him out.
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A tough road ahead for Manchester United
Manchester United have come out of the relatively easier fixtures and have laid down a marker that they’re out on the hunt. Last season saw Manchester United fumble in such fixtures, especially at home, affecting their league positioning at the end of the season. That is a definite improvement on last season. However, Manchester United now head into a tougher run of games, meaning they have to keep up the form. Up next in the league are strugglers, Liverpool FC, who know a loss to United might throw them out of contention so early on in the season.  A tricky encounter away at Anfield is followed by a visit to Huddersfield, Swansea, a home encounter against Tottenham followed by a visit to Stamford Bridge.
The real test lies ahead.
