An important win, sets us up for the remainder of the season. You could sense the relief, and even to an extent, surprise at the result. Confidence was taking a bit of a battering, and we needed some inspiration, from somewhere.
I didn't see first half, although I was listening and for the first 30mins, it sounded like the familiar story. Lukaku scoring an important goal in a big game gave him a boost, and he won the game for us in many ways. I can only hope that settles him down a bit.
Pogba brought his class and prescence to the team. Matic and especially McTominay were very good. McTominay really made me feel great today. Smalling, and Lindholf were effective and no-nonsense. Smalling has been playing very well... he isn't a baller, but he is a good centre-half, and likes being a Man Utd player.
HOWEVER... the game also highlighted the problems we have as an attacking unit. We seem quite a way away from being a fluid, cohesive unit going forward, you could see the number of times the midfield three, or back four, had possesion and did not have any options, or 'plan' to move the ball around, and putting together a plan that can threaten, or pull the opposition around. Where was Sanchez actually playing? I feel for him.
Martial, well, I continue to be unpopular on here when I question his qualities, and he needs to really consider his progress as a player. He is far, far, far too one-dimensional. He will always be considered a v good squad player, unless he can raise his game up a level. He is fit, young, powerful, and should be the hungriest player on the pitch. He's a forward at Man Utd.
Lindgard makes more of a difference that Martial. Why? Lindgard is simply more street-wise. His form fluctuates, wildy at times and that may be the Lindgard thing.. but he does have an eye for the big moment.
Martial? I have no idea what he is thinking.. does he want to be a very top player? Does he already think he is? He did well for the first goal, but his performance was, as it has been far too often, rather ineffective. But Mourinho doesn't help him, or any of the attacking players, I grant him that.