Manchester United desperately needed to capitalise on Liverpool’s shock 3-2 defeat to Swansea in the early kick-off.
But they produced their worst performance of the season with Wayne Rooney’s late free-kick rescuing a point that does little for their cause.
United Fail To Win When It Matters (Again)
It’s a problem that’s plagued the team ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Whenever the teams around them have struggled, United have followed suit. It’s in stark contrast to the ruthless edge they perennially showed under the Scot.
They’ll never reach anything even approaching the lofty heights they saw before he retired if they don’t rediscover that instinct.
Rooney’s Record-Breaker Hides A Shocking Cameo
He got his goal but Wayne Rooney was absurdly poor off the bench. Just his second league goal this season will take the headlines but it shouldn’t hide his performance. With the record broken, surely sentiment will no longer cloud the Special One’s judgement and his role will be reduced even further.
Juan Mata Had His Worst Game In A United Shirt
Much like Paul Pogba last week, Juan Mata did more harm than good in the first half. It just edges his mindless red card at West Brom last season as the nadir of his time at Old Trafford. However, he was far from the sole reason for this disappointing draw.
With the array of talent that Mourinho can call upon at the sharp end of the pitch, he’ll do well to get another chance anytime soon.
October Zlatan Ibrahimovic Popped Up Again
For the second time this season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was risibly ineffective up against a far from impenetrable Stoke defence. Dreadful movement, poor control and pathetic finishing from the Swede mean United remain in sixth.
Credit where it’s due, the former PSG man was supreme in recent weeks, it’s imperative he return to those levels when the Premier League comes back around.
Rory Murphy, Pundit Arena
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