Three Manchester United players reminds Jose Mourinho of their best position
After he was erroneously positioned in the playmaker role at Huddersfield, this was an emphatic response from Jesse Lingard and it was not a coincidence it came in a position where he is at his best. Starting as one of the midfield runners ahead of Ander Herrera, he took both of his goals with assurance and it is ironic that he hardly plays in a role which is usually teeming with options.
Jose Mourinho has not had Paul Pogba for over a month, Marouane Fellaini has been unavailable this month and Michael Carrick's only outing was against Burton Albion before he succumbed to injury. Lingard proved in Mourinho's first United game against Leicester in the Community Shield how pivotal he can perform there, scoring a virtuoso opener.
He might have retained his place for the Tottenham test, should Mourinho keep three midfielders.
Darmian proves his point
It seemed Mourinho had disregarded the right-footed right-back Matteo Darmian on the right flank. The Italian has played the majority of his football under the Portuguese on the opposite wing and, in justifying that switch, Mourinho suggested Darmian was selected purely to defend so United could free up Antonio Valencia.
At Swansea, Darmian was back in the role where he came to English supporters' attention against England at the last World Cup. His assist for Lingard from right wing-back was the kind of measured cross Darmian is rarely associated with and proof he can provide an attacking outlet when used in the area he is most comfortable in.
Darmian mainly turns out for the Azzurri at right wing-back and as Mourinho continues to trial three at the back it could extend Darmian's stay at United.
Warming up for bigger tests?
Mourinho switched to three at the back for only the third time this season on Tuesday night. The 3-5-2 was identical to the system United used against Real Madrid and Mourinho might have adopted it at Swansea ahead of fixtures against other eminent sides in Tottenham this weekend and Chelsea on Sunday week.
He might have retained his place for the Tottenham test, should Mourinho keep three midfielders.
Darmian proves his point
It seemed Mourinho had disregarded the right-footed right-back Matteo Darmian on the right flank. The Italian has played the majority of his football under the Portuguese on the opposite wing and, in justifying that switch, Mourinho suggested Darmian was selected purely to defend so United could free up Antonio Valencia.
Darmian mainly turns out for the Azzurri at right wing-back and as Mourinho continues to trial three at the back it could extend Darmian's stay at United.
Warming up for bigger tests?
Mourinho switched to three at the back for only the third time this season on Tuesday night. The 3-5-2 was identical to the system United used against Real Madrid and Mourinho might have adopted it at Swansea ahead of fixtures against other eminent sides in Tottenham this weekend and Chelsea on Sunday week.
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