Manchester United vs. Swansea: 6 Things We Learned
As the temperature approached freezing on the concrete streets of Manchester, the United Faithful made their position clear as they filtered away on Sir Matt Busby Way:
"Every single one of us will stand by David Moyes, will stand by David Moyes."
The chant was sung over and over during the game, and after.
Manchester United finally ended their streak of defeats, with their first victory of 2014.
Moyes' team sit just four points outside of the Champions League places, after Saturday evening's 2-0 victory over Swansea City.
The Scotsman fielded a forward-thinking side, with Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj playing behind Danny Welbeck.
Goals by Antonio Valencia and Welbeck sealed the points.
Here are six things we learned from United's first win of the new calender year.
When United Press the Ball, They Are a Different Team
1 of 6
Sometimes tactics are not the problem in a failing team.
The application of work off the ball can be just as important.
For United, this was certainly the case on Saturday evening against Swansea. It was a proverbial game of two halves for the Red Devils.
In the first half United stood off a cultured Swansea team, allowing them to dominate the ball, with the South Wales side ending the night with 57 percent possession, per Squawka.
However, the second period was completely different.
United pressed higher up the pitch and took the fight to their opponents. David de Gea had very little to do from this point onward, as the Reds took control of the match and put Swansea to the sword.
If United sit deep, they will concede goals and make mistakes. They are a completely different unit when they up the tempo and take control of a football match's destiny.
Kagawa Must Not Play Wide
2 of 6
It is no secret that Kagawa's best position is behind the striker, but the diminutive attacker has played many times wide of the attack for his country, and we have also seen him feature there for United on multiple occasions.
As adept as he is when playing wide for Japan, it is a totally different environment in the Premier League, compared to the slow pace of international football.
Kagawa has neither the workrate nor the defensive intelligence to play wide in United's favoured formations. He is hamstrung by the responsibilities involved and looks a shadow of the player he showed he was in Germany.
In the second half we saw a different Kagawa, in the hole, behind the mobility and aggression of Welbeck.
Kagawa was able to play on the front foot, being involved in much of United's stronger attacking play, after the break.
Kagawa now needs to stay in the centre and grow back into the position he loves.
Out wide he is a luxury, and that is something a United team in transition cannot afford.
Darren Fletcher Is Back.
3 of 6
As United piled the pressure on Swansea in the second half, one player kept his team ticking over more than any other.
Darren Fletcher was arguably the man of the match, as he put in a vintage display.
With Michael Carrick still finding his feet after injury, it was the experienced Scotsman who put in a cool and commanding performance to marshal the midfield.
The return of Fletcher could not have come at a better time for Moyes, with his options in the centre of the park looking minimal and threadbare.
Fletcher fronted up to Swansea's midfield, who had dominated the first period. From that moment on, United were able to dismantle their opponents and win the match comfortably.
Welbeck Is Becoming a Striker of Distinction
4 of 6
As a footballer, he has it all.
There has never been any doubts about what Welbeck brings to a football pitch.
His mobility, coupled with his clever feet, and his unswerving desire, has made the Mancunian a homegrown favourite with the Old Trafford crowd.
However, the criticism levelled at him has always been in regard to his finishing.
With his sixth goal in as many Premier League matches, Welbeck has started to answer his critics.
When Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are fit, it may be the case that the young England international has to play second fiddle once more, but he is proving to his new manager that he is worth his salt in this squad.
Welbeck will go to the World Cup in Brazil as a starter for Roy Hodgson. The next six months could be the breakout period for the energetic striker.
Moyes Must Not Push Januzaj Too Fast
5 of 6
The advent of a special talent is always a wonderful thing to behold.
On Saturday, Januzaj put in yet another fine performance, at the centre of United's creative hub.
Moyes started the Belgian teenager in the hole, and the tactic did not pay off. Januzaj failed to impose himself on the game in the first half and looked off the pace.
However, a switch to the left-wing saw him burst into life, as the youngster terrorised Swansea's defence.
There will be a temptation for Moyes to maximise Januzaj's attacking prowess, and it may be that as he adds goals to his game, as he undoubtedly will, that he develops into a central role.
But it is too much, too soon for the player. He needs to play wide, in the position that offers him the most comfort.
There is no doubt that the boy has the talent to play behind the striker, but Moyes must not pile that specific pressure on him just yet.
His development must be stage managed to perfection.
The Team Needs New Faces
6 of 6
It is obvious to say, but with the January window open like a summer's morning, Moyes needs to push his employers to open their cheque book.
With a championship-winning squad ravaged by injury, and struggling with a lack of creativity and consistency, Moyes needs to add competition to his ranks and find the faces that will help fire United's season.
The title may already be a distant ambition, but there is still so much to play for.
It is likely that if United do make a marquee signing at some point, it will more than likely happen in the summer.
However, the strengthening must start now, or it is possible that Champions League football will not be happening at Old Trafford next season.
Just one transfer could be the catalyst for a rejuvenated Man Utd. The next few weeks are vital for the club's immediate ambitions.
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")
.png?w=600 "New NBA Mock Draft 📝")
