Yet another Manchester United game and yet again more questions are raised about their attack rather than the defence, which once again was pretty good. Manchester United drew 1-1 with Leicester City but had the chance to go to the top of the table had they defeated their rivals. Leicester have had a brilliant season thus far, but this was just the second game they played against ‘bigger’ opposition and the last time they played Arsenal, they were beaten comprehensively.
Any other Manchester United side would have defeated Leicester, especially when the stats show that the team from Manchester dominated possession. United had close to 70% of overall possession but could only muster up one goal which came from a corner and was headed in by Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The problem was more with their attack, Wayne Rooney had yet another anonymous game and Anthony Martial almost seemed to be invisible throughout the game. Even replacing Rooney in the second half for Memphis Depay didn’t provide the spark United needed and the attack barely threatened Kasper Schmeichel in goal.
Manchester United don’t really have any other attacking options apart from Jesse Lingard who is also trying to find his place in the team and his rhythm so the question that some are asking si why did United let go of James Wilson to Brighton?
A bright future at Brighton?
Wilson was one of the players who was given a few games last season by Van Gaal. The English striker made 17 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions last term and even got a couple of goals for the club, but this season he has only played once and now has been sent out on loan to Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls might now have a chance of getting into the Premier League next season, but certainly Wilson could have provided Manchester United with a bit more bite in the attack had he remained at the club. The surprising aspect of all this is that he wasn’t even given a proper chance this season. Speaking before his move to Brighton, the young striker did reveal he had a few injuries which had affected him this season.
“I’ve not had much luck this season and have picked up a few injuries. Obviously, I’m still a young player who is still developing so I’m spending hours in the gym to get myself stronger and fitter. I think the move will be a big help where game time is concerned as well as helping my fitness. I also think it will really help me to develop as a player and a person.”
“I had a slight knee injury for the last league game [at Watford] but trained for the past week so I’m ready. I’m fit for the game against Birmingham, obviously it’s a good game to come into but any game time for me is a great addition for my development and fitness as well as being good experience for me.”
No chance at United
The arrival of Anthony Martial might have reduced the game time for Wilson but certainly keeping Wayne Rooney in most of the match day squads hasn’t provided any dividends to the club. Wilson being just 19 needs to play regularly to grow as a player, something that certainly would not have happened at United, you can call it Van Gaal’s trust in the senior team or his stubbornness, the manager decides what is final for the team.
James Wilson now has a chance to show what he can do if he is given a run of games, this is the first time he has been away from the club since joining them and if he bags a ton of goals for Albion, it would have been a fine move for United but anything else and it would just raise more doubts about Van Gaal managing his side and not doing the right thing for them.