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#2 Red Devils show great character in penalties
After their less than impressive performance in the 90 minutes, many expected the United team to fall short in the tiebreakers. The Red Devils were extremely low on confidence and it was hard to imagine the set of players progressing through to the next round. However, the tenacity and spirit shown by the team to get through the penalties must be lauded.
Juan Mata scored the first spot-kick and paved the path for a 100% success rate on the day. Andreas Pereira, Fred, Mason Greenwood, and Daniel James all scored their penalties, while Sergio Romero made a crucial save to help United win 5-3 on the night. It is a win that should renew the players’ faith in themselves. Manchester United showed great character to win the game via penalties, and it is now time to incorporate the same character into their normal gameplay.
#1 Solskjaer lives to fight another day
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is walking a tight rope right now. The Norwegian does have the public backing of his Board of Directors, but he will know better than anyone else that football is a results-oriented business. Solskjaer had been stressing the importance of patience in the rebuilding of Manchester United, yet the optimism of that 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the opening day instilled early hopes of a trophy challenge in the hearts of the supporters. Sadly, those good fortunes were short-lived and the Norwegian is under tremendous pressure to perform right now.
A Premier League title challenge is out of the question, but everyone associated with the club wants at least a top-four finish, which is looking increasingly unlikely. The defeat at the hands of West Ham United was one of the lowest points of the season already and as such, this hard-fought victory against Rochdale brings much-needed respite for the gaffer, albeit temporarily. Anything other than a win against rivals Arsenal on Monday would further pile the pressure on the Norwegian, who, at this moment, lives on to fight another day.
