I know Juventus should have been farther ahead before Mata scored but United weren't bad last night. There was a method and a purpose to their play and they tried to be constructive when they had the ball. A lot of it came through Martial who is showing what I've always known he was capable of....he's really driving the team on now. Sanchez worked his tail off but he's a yard off where he used to be. Still, his movement alone is an improvement though it's now patently obvious Rashford needs a run at 9. I underestimated just how much Lukaku was holding this team back. He needs to be sold in January in case Jose gets tempted to revert to him. Pogba was a bit sleepy and silly in the first half but had some nice moments in the second half at times....frustrating player but I believe he is part of the solution. Smalling and Lindelof did well at the back and Shaw and Young got through a power of work. If I'm being picky Shaw and a couple of others were a little slow at closing down shooting opportunities (albeit from very long distance) at times which nearly cost United.
I've always maintained the players are good enough to be at least competitive at all levels. All it takes is for Mourinho to rein in his ego, actually coach the players he has and let them play. Trust them. That goes against his nature and the history of his entire career so I'm not hopeful.....and of course he couldn't just enjoy the win without kidnapping the headlines. I have to for once say that tactically United looked set up properly, the right personnel on the pitch (pretty much) and the right substitutions. The players attitude in the last month especially has been excellent too.
Juve are a brilliantly well drilled team, their the most organised team defensively in Europe. Its nearly impossible to catch them on the break, their so quick at getting players back and closing the opposition team down so for United to come back and win that game in the final few minutes is a sensational result.
Pogba is the only disappointment, he was woeful and brainless for much of the game; Don't know whether the occasion got to him but that performance wasn't good enough. Martial especially in the last 15 minutes was outstanding, thought his work rate was spot on and finally seeing the best of him.
Mourinho has shown last night and against Chelsea he's still has it tactically and capable of making the correct subs that can turn games. Agree on Rashford he needs to start, his extra pace will help this team but would like to see Sanchez play on the right. Lukaku is a worry, he's miles of where he was last season.
