Five things we learned at Old Trafford
For reasons yet to be determined (perhaps because he tends to slow the game down, perhaps because he is not the kind of box-to-box player his manager usually prefers), Michael Carrick has struggled to get a look-in under Jose Mourinho. But his performance against Arsenal underlined why he is the right choice to steady the ship at Old Trafford and provide Paul Pogba with a platform from which to grow. Carrick’s calm, assured passing, gentle probing and ability to find and control space in midfield was a key part of United’s improved performance, in which they largely dominated the middle of the park. The Englishman’s ability to screen the back four from danger also contributed to a controlled defensive display (until the final minutes at least). He deserves to keep his place.
Reports of Giroud’s demise appear to be grossly exaggerated as he continues his role as Arsenal’s super-sub, scoring his 10th goal from the bench since February. But the difficult question for manager Arsene Wenger is how he keeps the Frenchman happy — with a string of clubs monitoring his situation closely ahead of the January transfer window. Wenger has yet to find a way of combining Alexis Sanchez and his teammate effectively up front, and they are such different styles of player that switching between them is problematic. But how much longer will Giroud be content to sit on the bench? This may be the perfect time to bring him back as Arsenal end the month with three consecutive home games against PSG in the Champions League, Bournemouth in the Premier League and Southampton in the EFL Cup. How to manage the situation beyond that, however, is tricky.
Everybody knows Wenger is yet to beat a Mourinho side in the Premier League and although Giroud’s late equaliser left Arsenal on a high (with Mourinho admitting it felt like a defeat) the stark facts are it was Arsenal’s only shot on target — and the only time an Arsenal player has scored against a Mourinho team in league action since May 2007 when Gilberto Silva found the net. So, although the Special One’s extraordinary hold over his rival is wobbling, it remains intact. The next opportunity for Wenger is May 6 at the Emirates, two weeks before the end of the season — and you suspect that fixture will have far more relevance than Saturday’s encounter. Put it in your diary now…
The Manchester United captain only came onto the field after 63 minutes and had no special influence on the outcome of it; but his words after the match were more important. Having been embroiled in a row over late night drinking while on international duty the striker, who has also been heavily criticised for his performances at Old Trafford this season, has taken a battering in the English media. This time, however, he chose to fight back, claiming his treatment has been a disgrace and vowing to prevent journalists writing his sporting obituary too early. That’s the kind of spark United fans want to see from their talisman - a fired-up Wayne Rooney is exactly what they need right now.
After three weeks out with injury, wing-back Valencia showed United what they have been missing as he reprised the early-season form which has made him a stand-out performer in difficult times. Some of his runs down the right were breathtaking, constantly pushing Nacho Monreal back and creating real problems for the Arsenal defence. He should also have had a penalty in what was an excellent display. That should be no surprise. Valencia, when fit, has been producing this kind of form for a long time and his pace, power and crossing ability are a big positive for United as they bid to fight back in the title race.
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