United pass the Reading test - barely

    A team galloping towards its 20^th title playing a relegation threatened underdog compounded with no manager doesn't make an even contest. Now, a glimpse of 3 strikers in United's line up to crush the opponents will have even the Reading hardcores expecting a worst possible scoreline. At the final whistle however, I could not resist thinking the fans (except Reading of course) were robbed of goal fest which was distinct possibility with the eleven fielded by Sir Alex.

    To start with, the gaffer made 8 changes to the team that started the FA game against Chelsea with Rooney, Ferdinand and De Gea retaining their berths.  It was back to the default United formation with Young and Welbeck (another new position – RW) deployed in the wings. Rooney and RVP were paired at the front, Giggs and Ando forming a central midfield partnership. Vidic teamed up with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of defence who was playing his third consecutive match. Buttner and Smalling deputised for Evra and Rafael respectively. Even with 8 changes made, it was still a team to beat, at least on paper.

                The initial few minutes resembled a training session with teams trying to poach the ball from one another. Perhaps the afternoon result was still on the united player’s minds that they were happy to keep the ball rolling. The body language of Reading players lacked any fear for their opponents and were lacking only in talent in the final third. The game also reminded me of the times of Nistelrooy when only long passes were the order of the day. There was one such a pass (delicious) from Ferdinand to Young on the left who could not muster enough curl and missed the far post and RVP. Better judgement could have resulted in a simple tap in for RVP. United was keeping the pressure on and Welbeck skied a right footed volley well over the crossbar few minutes later.

   The game was lacking in tempo and United were resolute in not moving to the third gear. Even the usually ebullient OT was silent with a full sell out. It took another brilliant move from Ferdinand who robbed the ball from McCleary’s poor pass, jinked forward before laying it to Rooney who controlled the ball with his first touch and shot towards the Reading goal which took a huge deflection and found the back of the net and get the game moving forward. Ferdinand rolled back the years and justified his recall to the national setup with a roaring performance. It was unfortunate for Reading as their goal keeper made the right move to stop except for wicked deflection leaving him flabbergasted.

Wicked deflection

  Rooney, for all the rubbish about him being booted out of Old Trafford was the engine for the team, dropping back to collect the ball and making forward runs or finding the right pass. RVP was lacking in confidence that he displayed by scuffling a lot of shots trying to score the impossible. Few minutes after the United goal, visitors went close to equalise with a 25 yards curling effort from Robson-Kanu that barely missed the far post. There was a sudden shift in the possession visible with Reading showing an attacking intent as they were trailing. If not for the CB partnership, we could have witnessed another slaying of Goliath by David.

Ferdinand rolling back the years

  If the first half was a failure to dominate by United, the second half was a commendable effort from Reading as they pushed United deep, forcing them to make mistakes. Fortunately for United, in the 46^th minute the referee failed to spot Vidic shoving Mariappa in the box which was a blatant penalty and the Reading players could not be faulted if they felt even the fate was conspiring against them. This was followed by a ten minute bombardment from Reading but lacking a finisher in their fold was left high and dry by the solid United defenders.

 There were occasional counter attacks initiated by United – Young scuffing a volley, RVP’s well directed free kick denied by Taylor’s awareness and a Rooney’s chip which was inches wide of the bar. However, it was evident that they were happy to accept a 1-0 win by trying to maintain possession which by far was becoming more difficult with lazy passes and the losing balls to the opponents – 86% of tackles by Reading won them possession back!. As if this was not enough, there was a late scare in the United box when communication broke down between the defence and De Gea resulting in Vidic making a hasty clearance.

 Anderson who had come in for Carrick in this game could not drive the team and lacked imagination that the Englishman carries in abundance, required Carrick himself to be brought in to replace an injured Young. He immediately started providing a calming influence and this directly reflected in the ball retention within United. Moment later, an intelligent play between Giggs and Carrick from a corner almost doubled United’s lead. This was followed by another set of beautiful moves with Giggs being the pivot, involving Welbeck and Carrick before Rooney’s hit sailed over the crossbar again. With five minutes added to the injury time, United were more than happy to waste time by passing between themselves and an odd shot at the target, an overhead kick from RVP that he was adamant to send higher up in the stands. 

Ryan Giggs running down the wings

  Overall, a game expected to produce a lot of goals turned out to be a damp squib. The difference between the two teams was a deflected goal. RVP has now scored once in last 10 games. United were content to see the game out rather than stamp its authority on the championship bound Reading. There was one standout performance however, a youngster in the United ranks, mesmerizing with cross field passes, intelligent link play, searing runs in the wing and you know who I am talking about. I would even venture to say he was the youngest in the field. Ahoy, hear the crowd......

Giggs, Giggs will tear you apart again.

Giggs, Giggs will tear you apart again.