Talking points as Manchester United thrash Roma in the first leg


Talking points as Manchester United thrash Roma in the first leg

Manchester United were a live wire in the second half of the fixture and were too hot to handle on Thursday. Roma were leading the game by 2-1 at the half time only to read the final score as 6-2 against their favour. Roma will have to be on their ‘A’ game if they are to reach finals of the Europa League.

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Manchester United run riot at Old Trafford

Manchester United
Edinson Cavani scored a brace for Manchester United against AS Roma

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani to the line-up, resting Mason Greenwood and Daniel James from their previous fixture line-up. The team started the game in a high tempo and opened the scoring in the 9th minute. However, the team were pegged back by two goals in the next 24 minutes and Roma went 2-1 at the half-time.

Throughout the season, Red Devils have made comebacks from the losing position. And on Thursday, it was one more day where the club scored in bulk. The Old Trafford based outfit turned the heat on and scored left, right and centre. Cavani, Pogba, Bruno and Greenwood found their name on the scoresheets to give Manchester United a comfy cushion for the second leg.

Talking point#1: Strikers of both sides prove that they have it still in them

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Manchester United fielded Edinson Cavani whereas Edin Dzeko featured for AS Roma in the Europa League clash. Edin Dzeko caused troubles for Manchester United with his runs and even found the back of the net in the first half. On the other hand, Edinson Cavani struck twice in the second half to give Manchester United a healthy lead. Both strikes proved that the players still have the shine in them.

Both were predators in front of the goal. Cavani, in particular, setup the first goal as well. The club will look to hold on for the player for atleast one more season despite the exit talks going on.

Talking point #2: Familiar defensive woes continue for Manchester United

Manchester United were off the blocks were soon at Old Trafford but the defensive issues continued to haunt them. A few mix-ups, lack of calling from the shot-stopper and playing the opposition onside while others holding on to the line was observed throughout the game. However, AS Roma failed to make things possible out of these chances and it costed them the game at Old Trafford.

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Once the team started to grow in stature, Red Devils wanted to kill the fixture. More players were committed forward and were left short at the back. However, the things went in Manchester Untied’s advantage only.

Talking point #3: Is their a way out for Paul Fonesca?

AS Roma are enduring a tough season and are placed in the seventh position on the points table. They are 11 points of the fifth placed AC Milan and with five games remaining, it is difficult for Roma to obtain the Europa qualification. The team has to win Europa League if they want to feature in Europe next season.

Paul Fonesca’s side are four goals behind Manchester United in the fixture and the injuries concerns make life difficult for Roma. However, the club can draw inspiration from their unprecedented victory against Barcelona two seasons ago.

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