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Another similar Bony performance at Old Trafford
Manchester United are in a bit of a sticky situation. While they’re still in all four tournaments they entered this season, their first 3 games of 2014 have been in three different competitions, all of which have thus far ended in 2-1 losses. Their worst start to a calendar year in 82 years, and their worst season performance after this stage for 27 years.
On the weekend they face Swansea at, what once was, a fortress. We don’t need to jump to pre-mature conclusions, Old Trafford is still a fairly intimidating ground to go to, but unsurprisingly it has lost its ‘bite’ in the last few weeks/months. Swansea who beat United at Old Trafford just a week back, will be hoping to do the same this weekend; and Swansea’s striker, Wilfried Bony, will have a significant part to play once again. You can read a detailed Scout Report on Wilfried Bony here.
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The ex-Vitesse man has all the necessary tools to be an effective striker in the Premier League, using his presence in and around the box to create chances for himself. The Ivorian has a powerful header on him as well, something which he was allowed to take advantage of at Old Trafford.
Swansea found it incredibly easy to get dangerous crosses into the box, with Bony taking advantage of the space offered to him. The winning goal itself, which crucially for Swansea avoided a replay, came from one such cross which Bony made no mistake with. United need to find a way to ensure their full-backs put in a more assured performance while their centre-backs find a way of keeping Bony under control.
Crucially for United, both Rooney and Van Persie will be out for this game meaning Danny Welbeck will have all the pressure on him, Danny Welbeck who as United’s striker against the Swans didn’t have a single shot on target.
David Moyes, more than ever, needs a victory in this game. 4 losses in 4 in the new year is unacceptable at United, especially when you consider they’ll probably drop points the following week at the Bridge.
