Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg: Highlights and 5 Talking Points

Juan Mata scored a goal and assisted the winner as Manchester United claimed their first points in the Champions LeagueManchester United escaped an early scare by coming from behind to take all three points against Wolfsburg in their crucial Group B clash in the Champions League at Old Trafford. The German side needed just four minutes to stun the Stretford End faithful with Daniel Caligiuri drawing first blood after a diabolical piece of defending from the United backline.Juan Mata brought the scores level before the break after Caligiuri went from hero to zero by handling the ball inside the box, leading to a penalty which Mata coolly slotted home sending Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the opposite direction. The winner then came in the 53rd minute after a spectacular back-heel flick from Mata sent the ball over the Wolfsburg defence finding Chris Smalling whose intuitive finish sealed the three points for Louis van Gaal’s side. Here are the five talking points from the game:

#1 Valencia is not the ideal right-back for United

But you knew that already, right? Still, with Luke Shaw out for a lengthy period and Marcos Rojo on the sickbed with a hamstring strain, it came down to the versatile Matteo Darmian to cover for his left-footed chums at the left-back position.

Inevitably, Antonio Valencia started as right-back against a marauding Ricardo Rodriguez which raised a few eyebrows as the Swiss wing-back has a glowing reputation of popping in with goals and assists in important games.

The fans’ apprehension was justified when Valencia’s pedestrian demeanour played Daniel Caligiuri onside leading to the Wolfsburg goal. The Ecuadorian international was sitting so deep, he might as well have sold fish ‘n’ chips down the Stretford End.

It is perhaps harsh to scrutinize a winger who was forced to play as a right back, and Valencia certainly was not the only one to be blamed for Wolfsburg’s opener. But it goes to show the scarcity of quality defenders in the ranks of Old Trafford.

#2 Manchester United are still a work in progress

Despite being at the top of the Premier League table, Manchester United are lacking the intensity, ingenuity and the profound sense of exhilaration in their game. Of course, they are pulling things together and you can notice the occasional combinations between certain players starting to develop, but United are still a long way off from being considered genuine title contenders.

Anthony Martial has revamped their attack and has been a breath of fresh air at the club. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have added much-needed solidarity in midfield. Chris Smalling and Daley Blind are enjoying a level of consistency even Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic would be proud of.

But then United struggled to hold off this Wolfsburg side, the same side their German counterparts Bayern Munich put five past last weekend. The Red Devils are definitely heading in the right direction, but it may be too early to laud their credibility without them facing the heavyweights – both domestically and in Europe.

#3 Chris Smalling proving his critics wrong

Chris Smalling has come a long way from that fateful night across town at the Etihad Stadium where he got sent off, condemning his side to their worst start in 28 years. Fast forward a few months and the former Maidstone man has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and a key figure in manager Louis van Gaal’s plans for the future.

The Red Devils have played just 12 games this season, but Smalling already has one hand wrapped around the hilt of United’s Player of The Year trophy. The 25-year-old produced yet another cultured performance against Wolfsburg and capped it off with a priceless winner that sealed the crucial three points for Van Gaal’s side.

Smalling’s immaculate form can only be good news for United fans. But the bad news is, the club is only one injury away from a major defensive crisis at the back.

#4 Juan Mata has made himself undroppable

Juan Mata has been United’s main creative force since joining the club in the drab days of the David Moyes era. The Spaniard’s transformation from being just a provider to becoming United’s main attacking outlet has been a sight to behold.

With Van Gaal’s reputation of being someone who favours pragmatism over flair, there were doubts over Mata’s role in the team and he was forced to sit on the bench in the early parts of last season when Van Gaal was still assessing his squad.

But the Spaniard’s consistency added with his aptitude for goals and assists forced the Dutchman to hand him what appears to be a permanent berth in the starting XI. Mata was at his best yet again against Wolfsburg. His neat penalty in the first half brought the scores level and an outrageous flick in the second half led to United’s winner.

#5 Anthony Martial can deliver more than just goals

Anthony Martial has been a revelation since arriving at Old Trafford from AS Monaco in the summer. With four goals already to his name, United may have just found the natural goal scorer they have been searching for all these years.

But to assume that the 19-year-old’s only asset is his ability in front of goal is silly. Blessed with incredible speed, Martial drifted out wide when the going got tough down the middle. Speed, coupled with neat footwork, the Frenchman caused all sorts of problems in the first half tormenting the Wolfsburg defence by cutting in from the flanks.

It is still too early to pass judgement on him with any conviction. But so far the signs are there of the making of a very good player.

Entertaining and fast paced counter-attacking football has always been United’s major character trait in the last two decades. And with Martial and Memphis Depay, Van Gall has got two of world football’s most exciting young prospects.