Talking Points: Derby Win Reflects United's Solidarity in Season of Disappointment

Lingard starts in the middle

Michael Cox predicted that Juan Mata, along with his opposite number David Silva, would both start in the number 10 roles for their teams. You also sensed LVG was willing to take a risk, possibly Depay coming in off his excellent form the past few weeks. But nobody really expected him to shoot Jesse Lingard, at age 23 the 2nd most senior player in the front 4 after Juan Mata, would be playing in the playmaker’s position. Oh and it's his first Derby start.

As the Guardian points out, LVG has always preferred a speedy playmaker in the hole, and Lingard was highly effective in running into the space vacated by Rashford, creating space with Martial on the left, and dovetailing extremely well with Mata on the right. A few times during the game, Lingard took some beautiful, controlled touches on the run in the knowledge his speed could take him past City’s rugged midfield axis and before having a go at their second string central defensive partnership. Watch the highlight’s from last night’s game and Lingard runs with his eye on the ball towards the penalty spot every time United had possession. 39, Rashford, meanwhile was making similar direct runs straight to the near post, and would have gotten a goal off a nicely worked slide-rule from Lingard to Darmian if it wasn’t for Fernandinho getting in the way of the shot.

Lingard’s been criticized for his form recently, but he’s shown intelligence beyond his years and has justified his inclusion ahead of Depay. Defensively he’s always willing to do a shift, even if his final ball and decision making / finishing still takes looks frustrating and will need time. If he can stay injury free, next season could be a big one.

Michael Carrick: A symbol of Manchester United and it’s current season

In Michael Carrick and Manchester United, there are as many question marks as there are merits.

Will Carrick still be a Manchester United player next year? There have been no developments with his contract due to expire next year [UPDATE], and it reflects the uncertainty regarding United’s league and managerial status next season. On the basis of this game, Carrick seems invaluable, a-la Paul Scholes in the final years of the Ferguson era: he’s seen it all, reads the game extremely well, and facilitates the players around him. I know there’s no comparing United to Barca, but he really is our Sergio Busquets. But he’s also been at fault for a few goals and lapses in form throughout the season, crucially being overrun at Arsenal when LVG tried had a firm Schweinsteiger - Carrick axis to dictate the tempo.

If LVG stays, expect Carrick to sign an extension for one more season. If not, Manchester United might be tempted to say “thank you for your time” and give Schneiderlin his role, while beefing up midfield with a tough tackling ball winner, to give our midfield a true progression from the Ferguson era. Gundogan would be perfect, but looks like he’s set for Manchester City.

I could see it going either way, personally I’ve been a Carrick fan, and if he can be a pillar of support for the rising stars at United and get us Champions League football, I say keep him for another year!

Rojo is a liability but what options do we have?

Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are out, Valencia just coming back from a long-term layoff, McNair’s fallen off, and we’ve got Darmian and Rojo playing as soon as fit to make 60-70 minutes on average per game. They’re going to make mistakes, and Rojo’s overweight pass to Schneiderlin (in acres of space and not under pressure) was one that could have cost United on another day. Indeed, Rojo’s been at fault for a few goals through the season, but it’s hard to fault him considering he’s a better option that throwing even in younger players in crucial games.

I think United can push for a top four if a few of our defensive players can gain form and keep fit. Herrera, Rooney, Jones, Rojo, CBJ and Valencia all have a part to play, with a blend of experience and mettle to grind us through a couple of tough games. Don’t be surprised to see United cling on to games rather than swat so called “weaker” opponents away, but with Chris Smalling United are now the team with the most clean sheets in the league: 14. Believe it.

Talking points:

• The future looks bright, with Rashford-Lingard-Martial all forming a terrific understanding and taking risks to poke through City’s defense. Personally happy we avoided a fit Sterling - Aguero - De Bruyne- Silva front line until Pep comes through.
• Schneiderlin bosses midfield and links play further forward - more please. A lot of people making a fuss about Schneiderlin not starting against Liverpool, but number 28’s energy was crucial in the middle of the park yesterday. I think it’s justified from LVG.