Encouraging Loss

Galatasaray 1 - Manchester United 0
Scorer
Galatasaray: Yilmaz (53)

Team: Lindegaard, Jones, Carrick, Rafael, Buttner, Fletcher, Anderson (Young 74), Cleverley, Powell (Macheda 74), Welbeck (King 85), Hernandez

We rest a whole slew of players coming into this fixture. Having already qualified and secured the top spot in the group, we could afford to relax and rotate the squad, while keeping our focus on domestic competition.

Although we just lost this game, the signs were encouraging. If only that were true with the 'regulars'. Anderson and Welbeck were the pick of the bunch. Along side Cleverley and Powell, we passed the ball much faster and as a result were able to attack the opponents quicker before they could set their defence. Only poor finishing was our undoing on the night. Both Welbeck and Hernandez had their chances but were unable to beat the Turkish keeper.

We might have lost, but at least the game was immensely watchable, with both teams going for it. It was especially encouraging after Galatasaray took the lead. We put relentless pressure on them and was alittle disappointing not to have come away with anything.

Young Powell's performance promises alot for the future of the team. He's passes and positioning, especially positioning, was top notched. Although he delivered little in quantifiable terms, it's the intangibles that gives alot of optimism.

Of course everyone knows I love to see Cleverley and Ando playing together. They may not be the best pairing, but they speed up the game so much that it's refreshing to watch.

Carrick actually played a good game in central defence. If he doesn't get murdered at that position, he's actually a good asset. Keeping him there keeps him away from midfield.

Jones was terribly rusty. He gave the ball away a few times in dangerous areas. It will take time for him adjust and get his form back.

Welbeck was just brilliant at everyone but putting the ball in the net. I still insist that he's our Emile Heskey. He was really brilliant at everything.

I'm not feeling Hernandez at the moment. He had an okay game. It's looking increasingly like his best position is coming off the bench, ala Ole. Unless he gets an early goal, he tends to fade. I really like him, but I'm just don't think he's suited to play the entire 90 minutes.

Overall, the greatest change to the game was in midfield and it showed, even though the results showed otherwise. The ball's in Fergie's court, add Van Persie and Rooney to the mix, I'm sure we'd be churning out results week-in, week-out.