The Red Devils beat the Gunners 2-1 yesterday…
Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday – a huge result for manager Louis van Gaal.
The points take them in to the top four, but more importantly they managed to beat one of the league’s best teams away from home. It was their first away win under the Dutchman.
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However, the result did hide some faults that the Red Devils still contain. The North Londoners were in control for the majority of the match, and had they taken their chances then it could have been a very different game.
Here are five things that the Old Trafford team still need to improve…
Robin van Persie woes
The forward had a terrible game on Saturday, eventually being dragged off for youngster James Wilson in the second half.
With summer signing Radamel Falcao struggling with injuries, the Red Devils could do with their Dutch star finding some form.
If he doesn’t then his time at the club could be towards it end, the Mirror are already linking him with a move.
Defensive problems
The Gunners may have taken until deep in to injury time to score on Saturday, but that wasn’t because of great defending.
Arsene Wenger’s men had several chances but they were unable to take them. With the January transfer window coming up it is important that van Gaal strengthens his defence if he wants to stay in the top four for long.
Playing against smaller teams
It is not new for United to play well against the bigger teams, with a draw against Chelsea earlier in the season testament to this. However, it has been points dropped against smaller sides where there has been a problem.
In these games they haven’t been able to sit back and hit on the counter they have subsequently struggled. Losses to teams such as Leicester City and draws to teams to teams like Burnley can’t continue.
Choose a formation
Van Gaal played with three at the back on Saturday, and even though it worked this time the constant changes in formation must make it hard for players to know their roles in the team.
There were also several moments during the game where the back three looked shaky when put under pressure. Maybe a final decision on how they play is needed, and maybe it should contain a back four.
Consistency
United went from struggling to beat Crystal Palace to beating Arsenal in their own back yard in the space of two weeks.
Before that they have gone from beating Everton to drawing with West Bromwich Albion. The team needs to find some consistency if they want to stay in the top four.