Match Report: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Aug 9, 2015
- 3 min read
The 2015/16 English Premier League season is finally upon us, kicking off with the two teams who finished 4th and 5th respectively last term. The hot English afternoon saw the debut of many new faces for United but it was Kyle Walker who put the Red Devils ahead in the 22nd minute with a well placed finish into the back of his own net, just past the outstretched arm of Michele Vorm.
In what was a controversial move from Louis Van Gaal, David De Gea was omitted from the starting line-up in favour of Argentinian Sergio Romero, fuelling speculation that the incumbent Spaniard is on his way out of Old Trafford. Romero went on to have a rather shaky first half, looking notably uncomfortable on the ball when under pressure. A few wayward passes and it seemed like LVGs decision to leave De Gea on the bench was about to back-fire, but after the halftime break, Romero seemed to have found his feet and impressed the United faithful with some crucial saves. The only thing that can be detracted from Romero's performance is that everytime the camera was on him, the stupid grin on his face was that of someone who just farted in an elevator and was getting off at the next floor.
Among the new faces for the United squad was 21 year old Memphis Depay who, following the departure of Angel Di Maria to PSG, donned the number 7 jeresey alongside new signing Morgan Schneiderlin. While the French defensive midfielder didn't have the most impactful game, he certainly showed off the many talents that Louis Van Gaal had signed him for. His strength and interceptions throughout the game ensured that Spurs were less than effective in the final third of the pitch.
Depay meanwhile was right in the middle of all the action throughout the game, constantly flaunting his quick feet and ball-running ability but to little success. Eric Dier, starting in central midfield as opposed to his normal right back position, held his own well against the Dutchman. Bastian Schweinsteiger also made a brief cameo for the final 30 minutes of the game, picking up a yellow card as his first contribution to the Premier League after signing from Bayern Munich.
The most impressive of all the signings however was Matteo Darmian, the Italian right back signed from Torino and flew under the radar while United were still trying to work out what to do with De Gea. Darmian made strong runs forward all game and switched from the right side to the left side in the second half with ease, demonstrating the versatility in his overall game. For a small 5 minute period, he also featured in central midfield as a deep lying linchpin similar to that of Daley Blind and pensioner Michael Carrick. Look out for Darmian to continue to impress and thus displace Ecuadorian Antonio "Eight-Pack Life" Valenica as the right wing-back.
Now onto the game itself, which was largely a rather dull and scrappy affair which was to be expected considering the broken preseason that both teams had. While United spent time in Chicago playing against Paris St-Germain and Barcelona, Spurs played many games across the globe, including a game against international powerhouse Sydney FC.
Saturday 30th May. Tottenham Hotsput vs Sydney FC; international friendly
Arsenal vs Aston Villa; FA Cup Final
Tottenham dominated the first half with Christian Erikson coming the closest to opening the scoring as he was put through by Kane, before lobbing the ball over Sergio Romero but also the goal mouth. Spurs began and finished well but there middle period of the game was frustrating to watch, even for an Arsenal supporter. It was an infuriating match to follow, as Spurs insisted on playing down the middle despite having Harry Kane in the middle, and United insisted on bombing down the wing despite having Wayne Rooney leading the line.
It was an entertaining yet frustrating game to open the season, look for both sides to improve with their next round matches against Aston Villa and Stoke City respectively.
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