Huddersfield v Red Devils Review
Pre Match Analysis-Would the Red Devils follow on from their below par performance last week with another disappointing showing? Specifically, will the result be acceptable? Going into the season the Red Devils would have pencilled in three points for the fixture with the newly promoted Huddersfield. Moreover, that would expect to cruise to a victory in style. Would they live up to their position on the ladder? For interest’s sake they are ranked second on the ladder. Would they live up to the hype that comes with being a big club? Only time would tell.
First Half Analysis
The Red Devils controlled the possession and tempo of the game early. Lukaku forced a good save from Lossl. Two of Huddersfield’s back four were booked early. Ince crossed the ball cleverly with De Gea claiming the resultant header. Huddersfield were looking tenacious and showed good endeavour. Mooy hit a dangerous free kick only for Lukaku to put the ball out for a corner. Valencia and Young were positive early, making runs forward signalling the Red Devils attacking intent. Ince shot the ball well, only to be saved by De Gea, but Mooy capitalised on the resultant rebound with a exquisite finish with his left foot in the twenty eighth minute. The goal seemed to bring the home crowd into the contest. Lossl played an insightful ball deep into the Red Devils defensive half, with Depoitre getting on the end of it and got the ball into the back of the net in the thirty third minute. Incredible, Huddersfield led two-nil at half time.
Half Time Analysis– Despite controlling the tempo of the game, the Red Devils went into the break with a two goal deficit to claw back. Based on the balance of play of the first half it was possible, but Huddersfield weren’t going to make it easy for them.
Second Half Analysis
Once again United controlled the tempo of the game. Young had a shot on goal that missed, but signalled the intent of the Red Devils. The atmosphere was captivating. Rashford was looking lively. Lossl was a prevalent part of Huddersfield’s potential upset victory, epitomised by his save off Herrera. Then finally, the Red Devils broke through with Lukaku providing an intelligent cross that was sublimely put in the back of the net by substitute Rashford in the seventy eighth minute. The question that could arise from that is why didn’t Rashford start the game. Young was a pivotal part of most of the Red Devils attacks, but Huddersfield defended resolutely.
Full Time Analysis-The worst case scenario came to fruition with the Red Devils losing a game that they would have expected to win. On paper the game appeared to be a forgone conclusion! But the game isn’t played on paper! The Red Devils may have only lost by a solitary goal. However, the concern will arise out of them controlling the balance of play, without the end product.