The 26-year-old reckons it could be a similar scenario for Depay, and he said: “It’s different for each player, but I’ve been here for three seasons now and it took time to settle in”. He created problems for United’s midfield all afternoon by pushing forward and defending in his penalty area. Van Gaal, though, has suggested that the reporting of the situation has been wide of the mark. This week United’s pursuit of Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez ended with him joining Chelsea instead.
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After their high-octane start, United finished the half on the back foot as Newcastle’s Ayoze Perez saw his shot squirm narrowly past the post.
Despite his indifferent start to the season, Rooney’s confidence was high.
Manager Louis van Gaal, though, maintains that United is not in need of attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes on September 1.
“I never really wanted to go back there as manager”, he said. The urgency to get the goal vanished after 20 minutes which meant that the team just thought the goal was going to come, but unfortunately that doesn’t always happen, and from the next game on this needs to be fixed.
But Louis van Gaal will be frustrated as compatriot Tim Krul denied several efforts from Juan Mata and Memphis Depay as the Magpies held on, despite initial looking like they would struggle.
The Red Devils have won 15 of their last 19 Premier League games at Old Trafford.
Steve McClaren, anxious about his team’s poor start, came down to the touchline from the directors box. Sergio Romero will certainly continue in goal, as the De Gea story drags on to what looks like a successful “Escape to Madrid” conclusion for the Spaniard before September.
One such question revolves around the current Manchester United attack and whether it and captain Wayne Rooney can be effective this season.
In 2011-12, Rooney was accompanied by Danny Welbeck and the English pair were instrumental in United’s pursuit of the Barclays Premier League trophy. “Footballers are never fully appreciated at the time, but he will be in ten years”.
Massadio Haidara Had a good block to prevent United scoring early on in the first half.
Played for both – Alan Smith: After excelling for first club Leeds United, Smith moved to Old Trafford in 2004 for £7m, and was highly regarded by Sir Alex Ferguson. “I have the responsibility of the protecting the interests of the club, of my players and I can not say too much”.
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Main image courtesy of Nike Football via YouTube, with thanks.
