Politics
Man Utd’s dreadful record against ‘Big Six’ extended with dire draw against Chelsea
FORGET glory, glory Man United… this is boring, boring Man United.
Their last FOUR Premier League matches against their so-called ‘Big Six’ rivals have ended 0-0 – now including both with Chelsea this season.
And to make matters worse, they have not scored in their last SIX.
To a certain extent, the cautious approach is understandable following the 6-1 humiliation at home to Tottenham back in October.
But Chelsea twice, Arsenal twice, Manchester City and Liverpool have all taken on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in recent months – and barely been threatened defensively in 540 minutes of football.
This afternoon’s stalemate at Stamford Bridge was the latest in a dire run of results and performances.
United mustered four shots on target in West London – not helped by Bruno Fernandes going missing in a big game yet again, losing possession a staggering 20 times.
Marcus Rashford barely tested Eduoard Mendy with two strikes, Scott McTominay’s effort was a simple stop for the Senegalese and Fred’s long-ranger in the final seconds was nothing more than speculative.
Once more, as we have seen time and time again since that 6-1 embarrassment, this was not the performance of a team trying to win the game with title ambitions.
This was a team desperate not to lose in order to keep the chasing pack at arm’s length in the race for the Champions League spots.
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Fernandes has bailed them out enough times against the other sides to help United to second on 50 points.
And it’s a good job he has done because no wins, one goal and five points in seven matches against the top teams is simply not up to standard for this club.
Legendary midfielder Roy Keane was typically forthright in his assessment.
The no-nonsense Irishman said: “I think Man Utd are looking at the teams more behind them and trying to keep the distance, instead of saying, ‘Let’s go and win football matches’.
“I think that’s why you’re at Manchester United – to win matches and try and chase Man City down.
“From that second-half performance, yes [they have given up the fight]. I think they’re concentrating on cementing second place and winning a cup.”
Maybe they are scarred from the Spurs game… some of these games have been really boring
Roy Keane
He added: “A real lack of quality from United. When you look back at the big games where they’ve not produced, that must be a concern.
“They have scored the most goals in the league, so they do try to win, but in these games I think their mindset is, ‘Let’s not be beaten’.
“Maybe they are scarred from the Spurs game. Some of these games have been really boring, considering there are some really good attacking players on the team.
“The lack of goals from United players might be something to do with their mindset, or just settling for the draw.
“Their mindset is just not to be beaten in these big games, rather than going for it.”
Marcus Rashford tried his luck with a free-kick from distance but Edouard Mendy beat it away[/caption]
Bruno Fernandes went missing against one of the big clubs once again and gave possession away 20 times[/caption]
