Manchester United 0-0 Valencia: 5 important conclusions from the game

#3 Few players had a game to forget

Manchester United v Valencia - UEFA Champions League Group H

Mourinho’s use of Fellaini has been diverse of late and against Valencia, the Portuguese utilized Fellaini as a box to box midfielder from the start. It was a horrible decision since the big fellow contributes nothing in build-up play and does not possess the talents of a typical box to box midfielder. It is hard to believe that he is keeping Fred on the bench. His presence cost United both defensively and in attack. In the midfield, Matic was continuously exposed because the Belgian was slow in tracking back. He almost cost United while trying to be cheeky in the 5th minute, attempting an exquisite shoulder pass that went hilariously wrong, however, an alert De Gea saved him in the end. While joining in attack, his poor touch and disastrous passing ensured that all he could do was receive ball on his chest or head balls. It was a waste of an attacking position, and on the rare occasions that Matic ventured forward, the Serbian showed what quality on the ball in forward positions can bring to a team.

But the biggest impact the Belgian had was on Paul Pogba, who had to track back to cover for the Belgian. Marouane Fellaini is a liability at United and fans will be desperate for him to be relegated permanently to the bench. Against Valencia, Fellaini had no impact and was one of the underperformers, but he was not alone.

Antonio Valencia was poor, as he continuously gave the opposition room down the flanks. Sanchez had another disappointing outing. But Lukaku is another player who is costing his team with his poor form. Against Valencia, the Belgian had quite a few chances, but could not work the keeper at all. How United could do with someone to push him day in day out, instead, Lukaku continues to get away with his plethora of misses, game after game.