Manchester United's 3-2 home win against Fulham this afternoon saw Robin van Persie score on his full debut and Wayne Rooney ruled out for a month following a nasty looking injury.
Rooney, who was introduced as a second half substitute, was carried off following a challenge from Fulham striker, Hugo Rodallega, and Sir Alex Ferguson has predicted that his striker will be out for four weeks.
Whilst it may sound absurd in the aftermath of such a key figure of United's attack being ruled out, this could be a welcome relief for Ferguson as he looks to shape a team that has had little time to gel since the arrival of van Persie.
On Monday night, against an inspired Everton side, United looked devoid of creativity which wasn't helped with an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation, eventually succumbing to a 1-0 defeat. Shinji Kagawa, signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, was the only outfield player who came out of the game with any real credit after showing promising touches in an advanced role.
United's formation in the defeat to Everton lacked width and penetration. Rooney, at the forefront of the attack, struggled to have any impact on the game and looked visibly fatigued midway through the first half.
The injury to Rooney in today's game will allow Ferguson to re-assess his first choice eleven without the media glare that would ensue if a fit Wayne Rooney was overlooked.
It was a peculiar move to opt for a 4-3-3 against Everton given the time it took to come to fruition when Cristiano Ronaldo was at the club. Perhaps it suggested that Ferguson was looking for a way to accomodate a front three of Rooney, van Persie and Kagawa at some stage. The early signs did not look good.
With Rooney now out for a reported four weeks, Ferguson will be able to mould a side with van Perise, the Premier League's top scorer from last season, as the focal point.
Ferguson's main gripe from the defeat at Goodison Park was the lack of service to van Persie after his introduction midway through the second half. Given United lacked any real width and looked lacklustre in the final third, this was no real surprise on the night.
Kagawa, whose talents are best utilised in a role just off of the striker, has all the attributes to supply van Persie with goal scoring opportunities. Today's formation of 4-4-1-1 at Old Trafford suggested that this may well be the preferred look with natural width across a four man midfield.
Whilst United fans may have cause for concern and rival supporters may be rejoicing at the lay-off for Rooney, this could well prove to be just what the doctor ordered.
No comments:
Post a Comment