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#3 Manchester City are flying once again
Having looked shaky for parts of the season and certainly not up to the levels of seasons past, Manchester City's fans have had doubts about any silverware coming through the Ethiad this season. Rightfully so, with Manchesterr City clearly lacking the attacking verve this season that has become an integral part of their playing style under Pep.
Their problems have also been compounded by the fact that they've missed several key players out due to injuries, as well as the Coronavirus. They seemed to have finally turned the corner on that against Chelsea when they blitzed 3 past them in the first 30 minutes. Tonight they continued on their run of solid displays with another dominant performance in their rivals' backyard.
Controlling possession from start to end with brief spells of cooling off and letting the play come to them to conserve energy, Manchester City never looked uncomfortable barring a brief moment of two. They created the better chances, had more possession, made the better passes, and deservedly advanced to the final.
#2 Solskjaer's Manchester United managerial credentials:
Before you say it, NO, this is not just a reaction to tonight's result. Well sort of, but not entirely. Tonight was Ole's 4th time in charge of Manchester United in the semi-final of the competition, and all 4 times have ended with an eerily similar result. His side crashing out after putting in the hard yards to get so close. Silverware has been in his sights, and he has faltered at each time of asking.
Tonight he left it too late to make the necessary changes to push on in search for an equalizer and fielded a back 4 that hadn't played together in quite a few games. Sure he may have missed a few players for several reasons, but he had a lot available at hand that he made little to no use of tonight.
Yet another semi-final drubbing at the hands of Manchester City was another rude awakening if Manchester United fans needed one. A manager with tactical nous is required to win competitions, and Ole just may not have it at the very top level. There have been quite a few opportunities now afforded to him and if this side is unable to take any silverware this season, a decision will have to be made on whether to retain his services for next season.
#1 Manchester United's defense a concern again:
Manchester United has had a torrid time with their defense this season through patches. There have been games where they have looked a completely different side at the back, but they've come far less often than they would've preferred. The defense looked okay in the first half, with a few danger signs but nothing too alarming.
With the pairing of Lindelof and Maguire starting tonight for Manchester United, there was a hint of doubt in several supporters' minds after seeing Eric Bailly be a much more effective partner to Maguire in recent fixtures.
The second half started, and Manchester City pushed on in search of the first goal and won a corner, which led to the goal in the picture above. Both the center halves looked on hoping the other one would take charge of the situation, and both lacked the self-assurance to do it themselves. Manchester United will need to start winning these big matches if they are to get back to their exalted status once again
