A new manager, a new assistant manager, two new players, a new number 11 too. Old Trafford was witnessing a change in the dugout for the 3rd time. This time though, they had complete faith in the man at the helm. Manchester United came into this match after an unbeaten preseason and showed promise of things to come. Also, they had never lost to Swansea City in the league and not lost on the opening day of the season for over three decades. Van Gaal opted for the tested 3-5-2 formation giving Jesse Lingard and Tyler Blackett a spot in the squad while also giving new signing Ander Herrera his first competitve start at Old Trafford.
Manchester United showed promise in the early minutes of the game with their hard pressing and swift movement. Jesse Lingard got injured soon, adding to the long list of injured players and adding to the problems. He was replaced by Adnan Januzaj who took his place at the right wing back position. A cross cum shot by Phil Jones was the first real chance of the game for Manchester United which was brilliantly saved by Fabianski. It was all going well until Ki Sung-Yueng scored from 20 yards to give the team from Wales the lead.
Van Gaal decided to change the formation at half time to the familiar 4-4-1-1 with Nani coming on for Javier Hernandez at 45’ mark. That did provide some change as United equalised with Wayne Rooney scoring by an overhead kick. United started to dominate things again and had reasonable chances. One of them came from Wayne Rooney who hit the crossbar from a free kick. Debutant Hererra was replaced by Maroune Fellaini. The domination started to fade off and ultimately Swansea City were rewarded when Jefferson Montero’s cross to Routledge failed but the ball instead landed at Sigurdsson’s feet who’s shot was too much for David De Gea. Swansea City lead the game 2-1 with 18’ left on the clock. Manchester United are known for their late surges and their comebacks and they did their best to get one. Adnan Januzaj looked certain to score when his fierce shot was blocked by his own captain Wayne Rooney. They also had a penalty appeal turned down in injury time by the referee Mike Dean when Januzaj’s cross hit the arm of Rangel. The referee did not award the penalty and Swansea City held on to record their first ever league win at Old Trafford.
This might be just one game but these also are alarm bells for the Old Trafford hierarchy. Manchester United desperately need to sign players, failing which even the legendary Louis Van Gaal won’t be able to give them the success they need so badly. The people sitting at the top have 2 weeks to save the club from yet another year of disappointment.
