Five Things We Learned – United vs. Crystal Palace

4) Despite the talent, Pogba and Morrison are not ready yet

Both these starlets have been tipped for big things at United regularly this season, with many fans calling for them to be given spells in the first team. Both showed flashes of their potential as substitutes against Palace but ultimately one must admit that throwing them in at the deep end in the Premier League could well prove a mistake. United brightened up with the introduction of Morrison, but for much of the game one could tell he did not know how to impose himself on the game, taking a cautious approach without trying to be too ambitious. This is not a criticism, one would expect it on such a big stage given his lack of experience and gives more weight to the belief that he must be introduced to first team football slowly rather than simply thrust into the demands of the Premier League. The same goes for Pogba, who showed his attributes as a strong midfielder, putting in good tackles and generally making himself a defensive presence after he replaced Rafael. However, like Morrison, he struggled to impose himself like many seemed to believe he would and clearly needs time to be brought into the senior side. Fryers, Morrison and Pogba – the three that were given game time on Wednesday night – certainly have bright futures ahead of them, assuming speculation regarding Pogba’s stay at United is resolved, but the theory that they should be starting games now is somewhat short-sighted.

5) Squad selection backfired

Although the starting line up should have been experienced enough to put up a decent performance against lower league opposition, it was clearly an error not to have some more experienced reinforcements just in case proceedings did not go as expected. The likes of Rooney, Nani or Giggs could have been given bench places in case they were needed be it due to injury or poor performance. WIth Berbatov and both of the Da Silva twins going off injured, it left placements somewhat unusual such as Park moving to right back and with no established players to take places. As well as this the idea of having Macheda and Diouf out wide showed little success and the midfield generally struggling to control the game, particularly early on. Finally, the injury prone nature of the Da Silvs twins is a concern with both limping off during Wednesday night’s game. In all, a disappointing night for United, a joyous one for Palace. Their fans can be proud of a side that worked hard and put in a strong performance on a night they deserved to progress against their Premier League opposition. For Sir Alex Ferguson, plenty to mull over on his side’s weaknesses.

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20 responses to “Five Things We Learned – United vs. Crystal Palace”

  1. Alex says:

    I thought morrison did pretty well considering the shit he had around him to link up with. Put him in a team with Rooney and cleverley and he would be a different prospect altogether. I think he is ready for a chance and the opportunity to play with players who will help bring the best out in him!

  2. aidan says:

    I thought Gibson played well, he was composed on the ball and passing was sharp, but there was nothing happening in front of him. Unfortunately for him it seems like certain “fans” are not give him any credit for any good thing he does just jump on the band wagon. He will be a very good player somewhere else

    • Steve Crabtree says:

      I agree with that. Too many people ignoring what he does right because they’re waiting for him to do wrong and as soon as he does – however little – they unleash fury. I’d rather see Gibbo play for the club, that I would see them ‘support’ the club.

  3. tithe farm CANTONA says:

    This comment was meant for bruce “its fergies fault” thomas zayd….My mistake, i liked yr piece and agreed wiv most of it. I just get pissed off when we suffer a loss and fergie is somehow deemed plop, these are no doubt the same people who were calling for his head a few seasons ago!!!!!

  4. Ricci says:

    I believe Ravel Morrison is ready and just needs to be given the games with the PROPER man utd players as Jack wilshire showed once he was trading passes wid fabregas nasri etc. I for one was at the game and we were a much better team as soon as he came on..yeah he didnt take to many risks but you can imagine what fergie said and in england we are taught not to show skill really and just work hard???? one beautiful backheel pass springs to mind as well as his technical ability and positional sense.. and he never gave the ball away dangerously! just pray he stays..and makes it with utd.