#3 Michael Carrick couldn’t be a vital pivot in the two-man midfield
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In the latter part of the first half and for a bit of time in the second half, Anderlecht played admirably, switching it out wide, in space, and into the middle, finding the free man or the right through pass, and that took United by surprise as they were the outright favourites for the tie. The game was well and truly on after Hanni’s leveller and Anderlecht were in no mood to lie down and take a beating.
The several chances for Anderlecht embodied the spirit in the team and the belief which their coach had instilled in them. Anderlecht zipped the ball around quickly and with precision as they created a few more chances. However, they were lucky at times at the back with United not being decisive enough in the final third.
Michael Carrick could not prove to be an effective pivot in central midfield as he usually so gallantly displays in his assured performances. Perhaps, this match indicates that this is well and truly Carrick’s last season as his powers are waning.
Maybe Ander Herrera’s combative attributes would’ve suited the Red Devils better after his Man of the Match performance against Chelsea. Mourinho had no choice but to re-enforce the midfield with the aerial threat of Fellaini which swayed the game in United’s favour.
