#4 Over-dependency on Zlatan and dropped home points
On a night when Zlatan did not record his name on the score-sheet, Manchester United appeared to be lacking in clinical finishing. The absence of Henrikh Mkhitaryan due to a hamstring injury was also felt as the home side were left to rue a series of missed chances.
The Swede has been instrumental in Mourinho’s men going on a 16-game unbeaten streak, restoring confidence and swagger to a side after a not-so-blistering start to the season. Five games in 16 days – one of which led to the Red Devils’ first title under Jose (ex-Community Shield) - for the Scandinavian international at the age of 35 has underlined his importance at United.
Zlatan did come close on a few occasions but what underscored a poor outing for the towering man was a missed penalty, besides a couple of unpleasant off-the-ball incidents.
Likewise, Armenian Mkhitaryan’s finishing prowess was dearly missed as United continue to languish in sixth position. This over-reliance on two key men cost United two points on a day when a routine win was the general expectation.
This was also United’s seventh home draw of the season – following dropped points against Stoke, Burnley, Hull, Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham. Come the end of the season, if United fail to qualify for the Champions League, Jose and his men will be counting the cost of these draws at Old Trafford.
