Community Shield Post Match Post Mortem

"Never write United off". This is the mantra that we have all come to rely on as Manchester United fans. So many times in the club's rich and colourful history a situation has looked irretrievable before a resurgence of energy and an abundance of skill has seen the team rise, Lazarus like, back into the ascendency. And so it played out yesterday. After an enterprising first 30 minutes in which United looked threatening in attack while resolute and secure in defence, City struck twice in the lead up to the interval.

Whilst the wonderful David Silva's free kick was ideally floated into a dangerous area, Lescott was allowed to rise due to mistakes by both Vidic and Ferdinand (in front and behind) who combined to allow the Englishman an almost free run at the ball which he duly flicked past the helpless De Gea. While it would be harsh to criticise the young Spaniard for the first goal, he was slow to react for Dzeko's 30 yard strike moments before the break. He appeared to be adjusting his feet as the shot was fired towards goal but Vidic was equally culpable as, not for the first time in recent matches, an opponent was allowed a free opportunity to fire at goal.

The doom mongerers were out in force on Twitter at the break as the usual suspects (and some new ones) felt the full force of their uninformed bile. Misguided hearts sank still further when news filtered through that our experienced spine was to be replaced by youngsters deemed lacking in the necessary quality with which to turn the game around. Vidic, Ferdinand and Carrick were all replaced in a pre-planned move by the boss in order to expose the incoming trio of Evans, Jones and Cleverley to a game of high intensity.

What transpired over the next 45 minutes will gladden the hearts of those who feel youth is the way forward for United at the current time. With an average age of just 22 (Ashley Young being the "daddy" at 26), the turnaround was both instant and mesmeric. Smalling guided Young's teasing free kick past Hart and you could sense the surge of confidence and belief running through their veins. Before long, the Reds were level with a goal that will live long in the memory for its sheer beauty with the key quality of teamwork at the centre. It was reminiscent of the game "boxes" that can be seen in training and before matches where players work in a tight area and where one touch is the the order of the day. Nani, Welbeck, Rooney and Cleverley were all involved as they threaded an intricate route through the static City backline before Nani coolly chipped past Hart to send United fans and players into delirium.

The coup de grâce was applied in stoppage by the effervescent Nani who chased a hopeful punt from the back before robbing the usually reliable Kompany on his way towards goal. As the Portuguese flyer approached the box, he assessed the situation expertly by rounding the despairing Hart before slotting home on his way to the adulation of the welcoming United faithful. 

While the argument stands that the Community Shield is nothing more than a glorified friendly, it certainly puts a marker down for United's opponents to make a note of. For a team to wrestle the Premier League title from their grasp is going to take a monumental effort on their behalf bearing in mind the strength of squad that Sir Alex Ferguson has at his disposal to negotiate through the busy campaign ahead.

Talking Points from the match

The vibrancy of youth
It is often pointed out that youngsters have a habit of being fearless and so it proved yesterday. With the experienced trio of Vidic, Ferdinand and Carrick replaced at half time, few would have predicted the complete reversal of fortunes from the travails of the first period. Almost instantly, the shackles were off and subconsciously, our vibrant youth realised they had nothing to lose as they began the seemingly impossible task of over turning a two goal deficit against a City defence that pride themselves on clean sheets.

At the heart of all that was good about United in the second half was the centre midfield partnership of Anderson and Cleverley. As Ferguson acknowledged in his post match interview, these pair look ill equipped to deal with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League "but their ability does so we are happy with that". Pass and move (or even a version of Barcelona's famed tiki-taka) was at the forefront of the ethos these two exuded yesterday and to be frank, City's midfield looked ponderous in comparison. This in turn ignited the front four of Young, Welbeck, Rooney and Nani as they fluidly swapped positions and interchanged to perfection leaving the blue defence chasing shadows. Whilst the experienced members of the squad have a huge role to play this season, this was an exciting glimpse to the future for United fans who already cite the next generation of Pogba, Morrison and Tunnicliffe as further examples of players that can shine in the years to come.

Picture courtesy of the Telegraph

United goalkeeper - a poisoned chalice?
If David De Gea did not know the true extent of what it means to be the Manchester United custodian between the posts then he surely does now. With the responsibility comes intense scrutiny and often harsh, unjustified criticism. As mentioned earlier, he will be disappointed that he was caught flat footed for the City second goal yesterday and it was not long before statistics were dragged out to show he conceded 11 goals from outside the box in La Liga last season. Whether this is a weakness remains to be seen but it is unduly harsh to be overly critical of a 20 year debutant in what is effectively a friendly game as a precursor to the new season. This mistake aside, I thought he looked assured and made some good stops in the second period whilst impressing with his accurate and rapid delivery to set the team on the attack. He will be fully aware that he has massive gloves to fill and if allowed to settle, I have no doubts that he will be a commanding presence for United for many years to come.

Chris Smalling - a staggering rise to the top
For someone who was only relatively recently plying his trade in non league with Maidstone, Chris Smalling's ascent to the United first team is truly remarkable. He impressed everyone last season with his composure and confidence in the centre of defence and he has now added another string to his bow by slotting in at right back with similar ease and no little skill. Adept with the ball at his feet, Smalling showed yesterday why the manager has not chosen to strengthen in the full back department. He was a constant threat as an attacking force complimenting the skills of Nani whilst being well positioned from a defensive point of view when the need arose. His height also adds to the Reds defensive ability at set pieces but is also a useful weapon when at the other end of the pitch. His neat, cushioned finish had all the hallmarks of a seasoned penalty box predator when it would have been easy to blast over and it set United on the first rung of the ladder towards salvation at such a vital time.

Nani - Genius but unpredictable in equal measures!
It is fair to say that Nani can often split opinions amongst United fans who love his skill, speed and drive but also feel he can exasperate with a lack of a final ball or one trick too many. What we saw yesterday was much more of the same. At times, he undid a lot of solid approach work with a sloppy pass or the mis-reading of a team mate's run but still the threat was always there and opponents have to be on their guard with him on the pitch. He played a massive part in the equaliser by both starting and finishing it but also was alive to the fact that Kompany may make a mistake late on to seal the win. His ability when one-on-one with the keeper cannot be doubted as when faced with the barrier to goal, he assessed all options (including the chip) before having the presence of mind to waltz round Hart before calmly dispatching the winning strike. His assist and goal record was outstanding last season and although he failed to notch a goal after his fine run and shot in the derby back in February, he has returned from his summer break looking sharp and ready for the long season ahead.

Picture courtesy of the Independent

Other player thoughts
Ashley Young -  made a solid start to his United career but I wish he would learn to trust his left foot a little more as it would give both him and the team another dimension down that flank. With confidence and stability, it could well come very soon.
Jonny Evans - was impressive alongside Jones in the second half and showed a keenness to bring the ball out of defence at times
Danny Welbeck - worked really hard in the first half and got his reward in the second. Has clearly benefited from his loan spell and looks likely to have a fine season
Phil Jones - has slotted into the squad almost seamlessly and looks every inch a potential United and England captain of the future. Will get plenty of games at full back this season which will further his development still further.

Player Ratings
De Gea 6, Smalling 8, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 6, Evra 6, Nani 8, Anderson 8, Carrick 6, Young 7, Rooney 7, Welbeck 7. Subs - Jones 7, Evans 7, Cleverley 8, Rafael 6, Berbatov 6

Please leave your player ratings and comments below.

All eyes will now be on the start to the Premier League campaign with a visit to the Hawthornes next Sunday to take on West Brom. Hopefully, players away with their national sides will return fit and well as the opening fixtures look tough but a safe passage through them would see United well on their way towards a 20th league championship.

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