Manchester United failed to stay unbeaten in this season’s Champions League campaign, as Juventus got the better of them, beating them 1-0 at Old Trafford through a Paulo Dybala goal. The Devils are now on one win in the previous seven matches and have not scored in two home matches in the Champions League this season.
A loss itself was not a surprise, as Juventus are clearly one of the best teams in Europe and big part of that match went out as expected.
All Differences Between Teams Were On Display
Juventus were clearly the better team, almost cruising to a win. After Dybala scored 17 minutes into the match, it almost never looked like United were about to equalize. Massimiliano Allegri’s team closed the shop after that and a typically Italian 1-0 win was secured. Manchester United could see everything they lack when compared to top European teams.
Juventus had the maturity and composedness in this match from start to end and they guided the match in direction they liked. They made De Gea work at one end, but kept Sczeszny without much to do at the other one.
Romelu Lukaku Needs Reinvent Himself
It was another match where Romelu Lukaku looked poor. It was often pointed out he does not have anyone to play with and to some extent that is true and you could slightly sympathise with him. But right now the Belgian looks far from a player he was last year or even before that.
He seems to be slowing down Man United’s either way slow game and he is not doing much to help himself. Lukaku had just four touches in Juventus’ box and almost as many in Man United’s. He recorded a single shot on the night and that one was easily blocked. Things are hardly to go well if they continue going on like this.
Victor Lindelöf Shows A Flash Of What Could Be
It was a pleasant surprise to see Victor Lindelöf with such a composed and high quality performance. Surprise, because several times in Premier League this season the Swede looked shaky and insecure, but this time it was completely the opposite.
Lindelöf was United’s main man in defence, often being the team’s savior. He had made three interceptions and five clearances, whilst also adding five blocks to that. De Gea would have had even more job if there was not for Lindelöf. Hopefully he continues this way.
Joao Cancelo Shows What Man United Are Missing At Right-Back
The Portuguese right-back might not be the most obvious choice for a team of Juventus’ stature, but tonight he was the one showing Man United and Jose Mourinho everything they are missing out on. Cancelo played almost as a winger in the first half, offering width, speed and composure on the ball in tight areas.
He looked like everything Young and Valencia have been missing in recent times. A proper right-back offers a quality United’s duo simply cannot and Man United are currently limiting themselves with players not particularly made for the position. Maybe Cancelo’s compatriot Diogo Dalot turns out to be the solution for long-term.
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