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Manchester United’s 11-game unbeaten streak came to an end this past Tuesday night after PSG defeated the Red Devils 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Champions League Round of 16 tie. It is worthwhile to note that this is the first loss for United under the new caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was appointed to replace Jose Mourinho back in December 2018.
Solskjaer’s men have been in red-hot form of late, winning 10 out of their last 12 games. The change in tactics has brought the best out of many of the United players including star footballers like Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
The team has climbed to 4th spot from the 9th position, having reduced the gap with the table-toppers to only 14 points.
However, the recent loss to PSG at home serves as a reality check for the Old Trafford faithful. Solskjaer will be hoping that this defeat is only a small hiccup in an otherwise ideal start to his managing stint at the club. Nevertheless, with United having a string of tough fixtures across all competitions coming, the senior players have to step up to perform and take responsibility.
On that note, here are three players who need to step up for the Red Devils this February:
#3. Nemanja Matic
Having signed from Chelsea in the summer of 2017, Matic had a brilliant start to his career at Old Trafford. He was consistent throughout that season, where the Red Devils finished runners-up to rivals Manchester City.
The Serbian international was reunited with his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, and immediately became a mainstay in the starting XI.
However, the start of the 2018-19 season was bizarre for the Red Devils who fell down to the 9th position in December. There was a dip in the form of the former Chelsea man, who is now an integral part of Solskjaer’s setup.
With a string of average performances in the last few league games, where he also picked up a couple of yellow cards, Matic will need to improve his game to help the Red Devils continue their good league form.
#2. Juan Mata
Another big name that is yet to live up to his credentials this year is Juan Mata, who came on from the bench again in the all-important clash against PSG. Mata has been an active name in the list of Premier League superstars, which includes his time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
The Spanish playmaker has only managed 2 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League this season. He has looked off-color in the recent past under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mata has played most of the season as a substitute, operating mostly on the right flank. Some may argue he has not been given sufficient time to prove his worth, but he has failed to capitalize and get something out of the chances he has been given.
Mata's finishing and defensive contribution have been insufficient for the new manager. The 30-year-old scored a free-kick winner against Juventus in the Champions League last November for the Red Devils, and he needs to rediscover his form this February if Manchester United are to perform well.
#1. Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian beast is arguably one of the most important players of the setup at Old Trafford. Romelu Lukaku has managed to score eight times in the league, having been signed from Everton in the summer of 2017.
Lukaku has not yet found the desired consistency that the manager would like, and is one of the very few players to have not really improved under the Norwegian manager.
The 25-year-old is in the midst of a disastrous 7-game goal drought and his poor form has forced Solskjaer to look towards other options in the front line, with the likes of Rashford being the first choice now.
With a big reputation on his back, Lukaku can surely turn it around for himself and the Red Devils. United will need him to fire in the upcoming games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Crystal Palace in February to continue their unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
