PBP: UEL - Manchester United FC vs Real Sociedad de Fútbol - Feb 25, 2021 [R]

He would, if we fail on a few other options ahead of him in that spot. Not sure what's the amount of the buyback clause but if it were cheap, he'd definitely be better than nothing.

 

Rashford is coming on (for Bruno). Really Ole? Williams also replacing AWB. Tuanzebe is another (for Fred).
Interesting and a shame that Diallo didn't get his # called instead of Rash.

Sociedad go close as they now have hit the bar also...

 

United have looked lame today. No spark or desire in them. Coasting.

 

To be honest, the job is done. What matters now is resting key players (which Ole has done at the half with his changes and no injuries to anyone else.

Diallo is ready to be thrown in for James.

 

Telles for Tuanzebe and it's 1-0, United.

It's taken back because of a foul from Lindelof. Pity...

 

God dammit Victor

 

Lindelaugh

 

lol... wtf.
Axel can't catch break.

 

What a flying knee by Victor though, perfect form..but wrong sport.

 

Rash getting the armband in the 2nd period is a pretty cool way to celebrate his 5yr anniversary in the senior team. 5yrs already though (where does time go)...?

FT: 0-0. Pretty mediocre game but the job is done with minimum casualties (James?).

 

Victor Lindelof’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:

100% tackles won
95% pass accuracy
75% aerial duels won
6 ball recoveries
3 clearances
1 interception

Denied goals at both ends. 😉 #UEL pic.twitter.com/WBAqxZK0TN

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 25, 2021

Eric Bailly’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:

100% take-ons completed
100% aerial duels won
91% pass accuracy
6 ball recoveries
3/4 long passes completed
3 clearances
2 interceptions

Another solid display. 👏 pic.twitter.com/P7QRVxCTAa

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 25, 2021

I understand the school of thought, in theory, that a solid CB partnership is forged via playing as many games as possible together. However, we've had another example today of how Bailly almost automatically improves, not just Maguire when he's paired with him, but as we've seen today Lindelof.
Why Ole persist with Vic and Mag when he has Bailly available is mindboggling. Perfectly fine with Bailly having to be managed carefully because his fitness is unreliable, but that's really not what Ole has done with him this season and of late. And as it's been stated countless times, Bailly's presence is not just beneficial to the CBs. But it really extends to the backline and the team as a whole. There's simply no doubt about that anymore...