DEFENCE AND RONALDO COSTING UNITED DEAR---MAN UNITED VS FC PORTO REVIEW!


Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez did get the two goals that Fergie wanted from this tie but at the other end, sloppy defending and constant loss of concentration cost United what would have been a healthy lead. Instead of going into the second leg 2-0 up, we will go there 2-2 level. Firstly, it's not ideal to go to Porto without a in as they hold an unbeaten record at their own home home turf. We will have to break a record to qualify. Then secondly, we've let the visitors take 2 away goals back home. That means that three possible results can eliminate us from Europe in the second leg; 0-0, 1-1, and a defeat of course. It also means that if we are to stand any chance of making it into the quarterfinals, we have to keep a clean sheet away and or out-score our opponents next Wednesday.
After breaking defensive records for the best part of three months, United can now barely finish a game without conceding at least 2 goals. That we have conceded 10 goals in our last 4 matches is testament to how far we have dropped as far as defending is concerned. Porto yesterday must have known the weakness in United's defence as they set about bombarding EVDS with pile driver after pile driver. Their first goal was gifted to them by Ronaldo who made no effort to chase after a ball he had carelessly given away. That's 2 goals he has given away in 2 games. Evans would have had it easy defending it if Ronaldo had tried to make up for his error.
Sir Alex has got some addressing to do as far as our defence is concerned. A poor defence nullifies our attacking threat so hopefully that will be rectified.
Yesterday was just on of those days when our midfield was not up to the task. Scholes an Carrick must have made over a dozen passes to opponents between them. There was a certain fear that gripped the team whenever Porto was in posession and you'd think that the Portuguese side was the home team. We improved in the second half and but for their goalkeeper, the ti would have been put to bed. However, in the end, the visiting team were the winners as they have finished the hard part of the aggregate tie with only a few scratches.
United meanwhile know what to do if they are still interested in this competition. Firstly though, there are 4 days to prepare for a vital league match this weekend. This time , fatigue will not be an issue!

Labels: