Manchester United made it through to the FA Cup's Semi-Final through late winner from Captain Harry Maguire against Norwich. It was a close one, because Manchester United's players knew it was going to be extremely difficult to win on penalties. Tim Krul(Norwich's Goalkeeper) is one of the best goalkeeper in the world when it comes to saving penalties, United stood no chance. In the first half of the season, he displayed his qualities, when he saved two United penalties in a single game (Rashford and Pogba's penalties). The goalscorers for Manchester United are Ighalo and Maguire while for Norwich, it was the brilliant young talent, Cantwell.
The Performance From A Manchester United's Stand Point
From a United's stand point, it was an embarrassing performance from Manchester United. A key point to take away from this game, which will be very valuable if Manchester United wants to make it the Champions League spot(Top 4 Spot), is that, there is no room for rotating players at this crucial stage in league games and cup games. Ole wanted to believe in his team B, but they failed he woefully, which could have resulted to United early exit from the FA Cup competition. This game also proved just how important Pogba is to Manchester United success.
Poor Players Of The Day
Dalot: He was given an opportunity to prove can be compete with AWB, but with his performance, no way he can bench a fit AWB. He couldn't deliver an accurate cross and was beaten time and time again at his position which was the reason why he was substituted.
Mata: He wasn't in the action the game. Sometimes within first half, I thought he wasn't among Manchester United's 11 players on the pitch. He's old but clever, he is very much still needed, in order to help the young lads in the training ground and dressing room because there's always need for senior players in a team.
Bruno: He hasn't gotten that spark we saw before the 3 months lockdown. His passes ain't accurate. His corner kicks and set piece ain't deadly. His creative passes are very poor. He is scared of shooting because I think he doesn't believe in himself as he used to. Maybe he is trying too hard to prove he is more creative than Pogba, which is making him make decisions he shouldn't be taking in terms of passing.
Scott: He is very hard-working player, he can run round the pitch 20 times without breaking a sweat. But he is not creative upfront, which is not what United need at this stage, because the rest on the games we have are against lesser teams where we need more of creativity than physicality.
Top Players Of The Day
Ighalo: He has proven to be very reliable goalscorer. He has scored in every game he has started so far. He has started 4 games and has scored 5 goals, a very impressive stats. He scored an amazing striker goal, contributed to sending off of Klose (A Norwich Defender) and had a part to play in the second goal. He is my Man of the Match.
Pogba: He has just proven that he is actually the best Manchester United player. After coming on, he changed the tempo of game, made intelligent and creative passes and had a burning desire to win. He initiated the move that led to the winning goal.
Maguire: He has solid at the back. Made a crucial block that should have resulted to a goal to Norwich. He brought in a lost Plan B for Ole. After Fellani left United, United have been struggling to get a Plan B, but with the way and manner he scored the winning goal, United just may have found their Plan B in Maguire. He had a solid performance, which was crowned with the winning goal.
Great win for Manchester United
Fun Facts From This Game
Manchester United have reached their 30th FA Cup semi-final, more than any other team in the competition.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the first manager to make six substitutions in a competitive match in English football.
Odion Ighalo has scored in all four of his starts for Man Utd (5 goals), scoring with his first shot in this match, with what was the game's first shot on target.
Highlights Of The Game
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