Manchester United and Swansea lifted the curtain on the new season with a lunchtime matinee at Old Trafford to kick off proceedings for the 2014-2015 Premiership. Anticipation was high around the stands for Louis van Gaal’s managerial debut with the team, with the big-name hire and a good showing in the preseason. Meanwhile, Swansea were looking to build on their mid-table finish last season, and they had an opportunity to create a bit of history – a win would be the first defeat for United in a home league opener since 1972.
Immediately after the kickoff, United’s shape was clear as they settled into the 3-5-2 formation that van Gaal had developed as his bread-and-butter approach with the Netherlands. Swansea defended in numbers and proved they were not intimidated by the occasion, as they did not buckle under the early pressure and were able to create a couple of chances for themselves.
In fact, after a rather dour opening 20 minutes, it was Swansea who took the lead surprisingly. Just before the half-hour mark, Nathan Dyer and Gylfi Sigurdsson combined to lay the ball off to Ki Sung-yueng, and he drove the ball home past a helpless David de Gea to silence the Old Trafford crowd.
While United’s back line looked suspect as Sigurdsson made his way into the box before laying it off, Wilfried Bony set a tremendous pick on the onrushing Phil Jones that bought enough time for Ki to pick his spot and tee up his shot.
The score remained 1-0 at halftime, and United came out a bit stronger in the 2nd half, and within minutes of the restart, the hosts were level after Wayne Rooney acrobatically finished a flick-on from Jones off a corner.
This early spell of pressure by United in the beginning of the second half seemed to be a sign of things to come from United, but a combination of good defensive discipline by Swansea and a lack of forward thrust by United saw things develop into more of a stalemate. The Devils enjoyed plenty of possession and completed passes, but most of those ended up played as square balls or back towards their own goal rather than displaying any forward thrust.
Ashley Williams was especially solid for the Swans today, and deserves special commendation for his work in keeping their defense organized whenever United attempted to stretch the field and exert more pressure. To his credit, Rooney, recently named as the new club captain, tried his best to lead by example and worked tirelessly. He came within inches of giving United the lead with a well-struck free kick that had Lukasz Fabianski clearly beaten, but the ball ended up striking the goalpost.
The deadlock was broken when Swansea snatched a winner in the 72nd minute as a quick-thinking Bony freed up substitute Jefferson Montero on the left wing. His cross ultimately fell to the feet of Sigurdsson, who did not hesitate in thumping it past a helpless de Gea. Once again, United’s defense looked disorganized and rattled.
As the final seconds ticked away, an usual sight was on display for the world to see: Manchester United fans making for the exits well before the final whistle. A famous victory for Swansea indeed.
Van Gaal’s arrival and the positive results from United’s preseason tour of the US may or may not have provided false optimism. One match is too small a sample to determine that. What was evident, however, is there are definitely still some gaps in this squad that have to be filled if the club is to return to its days as a legitimate title contender. His postmatch press conference below indicates that he still believes there is much work to be done, and the inquest will no doubt have begun almost immediately following the final whistle.
On the other end, Swansea have every reason to be encouraged for the season ahead after this display. There was nothing in their performance to suggest they will be unable to maintain this level of play, and Garry Monk has done a tremendous job in bringing stability to the dressing room after the tumultuous departure of Brian Laudrup last season. They may not end up contending for the title, and they will do well to contend for an European position, but this team will not be an easy opponent for any team with such ambitions this season.
Just ask Manchester United.
(Featured image: AP/Jon Super)
(Video credit: BT Sport/ZidaneKrisz)