Manchester United found their way into the fourth round of the FA Cup as a late penalty by skipper Wayne Rooney helped break the stalemate as the Red Devils scraped the tie 1-0 against third tier side Sheffield United. Other than that it was a rather unconvincing performance and Old Trafford was far from excited. Paul Scholes the former United midfielder was of the opinion that the players had boredom written all over their faces.
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United had overwhelming possession off the ball but they failed to find the net yet again as the fans were kept in expectation of thrills that never braced the Theatre of Dreams last evening. It is a matter of some shame that United failed to find the net against Sheffield United who are a third-tier club and are 48 levels below them in ranking.
Defender Dean Hammond, whose performance was otherwise worthy of applause, committed a capital folly as he stretched out his leg to bring down substitute Memphis Depay inside the box. Depay exhibited some level of theatricality while falling down, snatching the penalty nonetheless in the 90th minute. Rooney sealed the victory with a well-taken penalty.
The goal from Rooney did cheer the crowd for a while at Old Trafford but Van Gaal had his usual composed expression. This timid performance again raises questions over the Dutchman’s future in the club. Though Van Gaal had earlier declared that going to the next round was the primary aim, Paul Scholes was not at al pleased with Manchester United’s performance.
He said, "I've tried so hard to defend this team but each week it gets harder. Every time I come to Old Trafford it's negative football, I would be depressed if I was part of that performance.”
"The players are bored, fans are bored, everyone's bored. You look across at the bench and Van Gaal looks bored as well."
Scholes' United rant"The players look bored themselves!" Paul Scholes is highly critical of Manchester United's style, passion and lack of attacking intent as they leave it late to beat Sheffield United Football Club in The Emirates FA Cup.
Posted by BT Sport on Saturday, January 9, 2016
Facts make us aware that this was the 10th home match for Manchester United where they could not score before half time. This win comes as some relief for a side that had gone eight games without a win until their win over Swansea last weekend but it does little to affirm faith in the rigid tactics and style of play adopted by the Dutchman.
Wayne Rooney had 34 touches on the ball and United exchanged 672 passes among themselves but failed to find an opening in the Sheffield defense. This was what Louis Van Gaal had to say,
"It's always difficult to play against such an opponent when they are defending with 10 or 11 players behind the ball.”
"We had to play more quickly than we did in the first half. It was a bit better in the second, we created a bit more but not much.”
"They (Sheffield) were well organised but it's more easy to defend than attack," said the Dutchman.
