Five Talking Points from Man Utd vs. Stoke City – On Martial, Rooney, Carrick and More
Man Utd produced one of their best performances of the season to defeat Stoke City 3-0 at Old Trafford last night.
Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard were on target for the Red Devils as they swept aside the Potters with quite an ease. United have now scored six goals in their last two games, and there is finally something to cheer about for United fans.
We look at major talking points from United’s perspective in the game.
- United are still in the race for top four.
They are five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. They might be favourites to finish in the top four at the moment, but they are still very much in the race to finish in top four.
With the way this season has penned out, everything can change in a matter of days.
- Anthony Martial was money well invested
The transfer of Anthony Martial cost United big bucks in the summer. Many questioned the transfer fee for the 20-year old, but judging by the player’s performance in his debut season, United have a huge talent in their hands.
The Frenchman produced an MOTM performance in the game and scored a cracker of a goal.
- Juan Mata suits to number ten role
Juan Mata fared much better in his favoured number ten position last night. The Spaniard has failed to impact the game in the same manner from playing on wings.
Louis Van Gaal has the decision to make about Mata’s position in his team for the future games.
- Wayne Rooney’s scoring form is good news for United
Wayne Rooney is now scoring on a consistent basis, and that is a very positive sign for United’s campaign. Rooney needs to be in form if United aspires to achieve a top-four spot at the end of the season.
- Michael Carrick adds calmness to United midfield
The return of Michael Carrick added much-needed calmness to United’s game. He excels in his midfield-anchor position, and yesterday’s result was a testimony to that.