Manchester United 1-2 Swansea : Five Talking Points

United had plenty of possession, but no real penetration

For all the possession, United never created too many clear cut opportunities from which their strikers could have taken advantage of. One of the striking aspects of United’s play was their inability to move forward quickly. There weren’t any real driving runs from midfield and the running off the ball, left a lot to be desired for. As a result, on a number of occasions, they were forced to go back, prompting plenty of groans from the crowd. The truth is that, with a lack of creativity, United really need to spend in the window, if they are have any chance of finishing in the top four or hope and pray that no more players get injured.

United’s home form goes from bad to worse

Defeat against Swansea in the third round of the FA Cup, heaped more pressure on Moyes, who must hate playing at Old Trafford. His side have looked a shadow of themselves at home and this was their fourth home loss in their last six games, a record that you would have hardly believed was possible, given their imperious home form. The problem for United has been the fact that they have been unable to close out games and as a result, the opposition have managed to nick it at the end in close encounters. Swansea won at home for the first time in their history and followed in the footsteps of West Brom, Everton and Newcastle who all had long barren runs end in the space of the last month and a half.

Swansea turn things around

When Swansea took the lead early in the game, their manager must have been over the moon. Not only because, it hasn’t happened all that often, but also because, after taking the lead, Swansea rarely relinquish it. The Swans have lost just once after taking the lead on the 26 previous occasions. And although United equalized soon after and controlled much of the possession, the away side still looked threatening every time they attacked. And after Fabio was sent off for a reckless tackle late in the game, Swansea took advantage and rammed home the winner and emerged victorious for only the second time in their last 11 games.

Buttner excelled in his role

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At the start of the game, more than a few eye brows were raised when Buttner started in place of Patrice Evra. Because, although the Frenchman has been far from convincing so far this season, the Dutch fullback hasn’t impressed on his previous opportunities. But, Buttner was determined to change all of that and that he surely did. The fullback was at his attacking best and was one of major attacking threats throughout the games. His crossing was majestic and it was no surprise that the goal came in from his beautifully whipped cross from the left flank. He stood up to the task defensively and was more than a handful going forward and his impressive displays might just earn him a place in the Capital One Cup semifinal starting lineup.

Moyes must be cursing United’s FA Cup luck

Although all might have been forgotten had United managed to go through to the next round, the fact is that, United haven’t been the luckiest when it comes to the FA Cup draw. Whilst a home game against Swansea is far from an impossible fixture, it was the ninth straight time that United had faced a Premier League club in the FA Cup. And, going further back, 25 of the last 29 draws has seen United come up against a top-flight opposition. The magic of the FA Cup hasn’t quite lived up to the billing for United, who must be hoping for a better draw at least next year. And whilst it is no excuse for the performance that they displayed, that might certainly explain why their last final appearance was way back in 2007 against Chelsea.