4-4-1 Works Just Fine Too

Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa doesn’t look like much of a special result for either team, but considering the circumstances it was a massive win for United. With Nani getting sent off inside thirty minutes for a very rash tackle (no complaints here about the decision), United realized that even a point would be difficult to pull out. However the performance from that point on was brilliant from Manchester United.

I recently talked about how efficient Manchester United’s 4-5-1 has been, but the 4-4-1 was just as good against Aston Villa. Rooney was holding the ball up well, and the work of Carrick and Fletcher to keep the ball in front of them while defending and keeping possession when United had the ball was top class. The back four of Rafael, Evans, Brown and Evra was equally as efficient. Even in the second half, when people expected United to tire playing a man down, United continued to make the better opportunities. Throughout the second half Manchester United clearly looked like the more likely team to score.

It’s very difficult to pick a man of the match out of that performance, but to use an old clich it really was a team effort. A few performances that deserve extra credit though are Jonny Evans, and the two central midfielders who I already mentioned. Evans had possibly his best game of the season. He timing into the tackle was perfect, his defensive awareness was perfect and he got stuck in. Evans reminds me a lot of Rio Ferdinand, a technically sound player who isn’t afraid to get forward. In three or four years time don’t be surprised to hear Jonny Evans being talked about as one of the best defenders in the world.

Coupled with the Chelsea loss, United’s point at Villa Park is a massive one. One that continues a run of outstanding performances and hopefully a run that will continue when Manchester United march into Milan.