The Mirror identify this player as Wolfsburg full-back Ricardo Rodriguez, and note that the Red Devils have scouted the Switzerland global ahead of a possible move. The decision would have certainly been a talking point this week, were it not for Schweinstegier’s late heroics.
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The onus was on the two wingers to lead the line at Vicarage Road with strikers Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney and James Wilson all ruled out. It may be because he saw a weakness in Watford.
“He was superb in the first half and this role is the best for him”, Van Gaal told BT Sport.
“He played it also in the World Cup for me when [Robin] van Persie and [Arjen] Robben were injured so I knew he could do it. Jesse also was fantastic and we have created a lot of chances thanks to those two”.
The game was in the balance and De Gea had to get down superbly to tip an Abdi shot away at his near post after Chris Smalling had only half-cleared the danger with a header in a crowded goalmouth.
It would have been easy for Memphis Depay to crumble under the scrutiny he’s been put under since losing his place. Herrera’s bending cross reached Depay, and he punished Watford’s woeful marking by cushioning a firm volley past Heurelho Gomes.
Juan Mata also picked up a knock in the second half.
But there were enough flashes of skill and technique to show that he’s got the ability and desire to recover from a hard few weeks.
“But we didn’t play so well in ball possession”.
Herrera went off soon after because of an apparent hamstring strain and was replaced by Rojo, who slotted in at center back as Van Gaal switched to a 3-5-2 formation.
Althoug, Memphis Depay scored a goal in the match, it is still obviously risky to rely only on the winger as the forward for the team in their matches. It would have been great to have played but I’ll see them next time.
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Van Gaal gave some injury updates following the match. In Spain, he has won one league title as well as the 2014 Champions League. The Dutchman looked lively and took his first chance well, proving more alert than Watford’s defenders to Herrera’s first-time cross and finding the top corner.
