Oh and I forgot to mention how poor Valencia's throwins were. Do the refs not care about proper throws these days? He should have been called for a foul throw at least twice...
I thought United looked fully in it until the red- and then for the last push of trying to equalize.
They likely controlled time of possession in the first half (or at least until the red), but City conceded it to them deep and didn't allow much past midfield. I didn't see too much bite or threat from United's MF IBlind, Fellaini or Rooney) until the ball got higher up or wider to DiMaria. City looked happpy to control or counter- United, despite their possession, seemed better suited to countering or playing more direct through DiMaria.
Fellaini played better- but also had a lot of turnovers... usually in dangerous spots.
On one hand, I certainly saw some positive things from United. But I also think the scoreline could have looked a lot worse if any of those PK decisions had gone against United. And there was more than one that could have conceivably been called.
Even the areas of the team that I consider United's strength present problems. I don't know what the best XI is. I don't see a way to keep Mata in the team without dropping a striker who probably shouldn't be dropped.
The Smalling brainfart was still a shame. I have no idea what it means for City. Toure still looks like a shadow of the player he was last year. I'm still not sure who the best partner for Kompany is, and I'm sensing that City needs Milner for defensive balance this year and can't afford to play Silva, Kun (and a second striker), and Nasri at the same time, which was their scariest lineup last year.
At this point I think a fit Falcao needs to get a run up top. pair him with Rooney. Sit RVP
Would like to see Herrerra back in there with Mata and Di Maria and Blind supporting.
Rojo may be out 6 weeks to 3 months depending on which report you read.
Rafael, McNair, Blackett, Shaw may be your back 4 for now. And no, I wouldnt rather see Evans or Jones in there.
Injuries are part of the problem, lack of top options at the back, still learning the system? Who knows, but at least they seem to want to fight, which was lacking last year.