Goals: N/A
So close! Cambridge's Josh Coulson stops a goal-bound effort before heading over against Manchester United. #FACup https://t.co/Ov2dNi2pEv
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) January 23, 2015
Recap: Ninety minutes of uninspired football saw Cambridge United and Manchester United play to a scoreless draw.
A lackluster 45 minutes forced both clubs to enter the break scoreless, with Josh Coulson’s header serving as the only true chance of the half. Much of the second half remained the same. Cambridge United failed to press the issue, content with 10 men sitting behind the ball. The chances from Louis van Gaal’s men were few and far between.
The result forces a replay between the two sides at Old Trafford.
Key Moment: It took 60-plus minutes for Manchester United to find a piercing ball through the middle of the Cambridge defense. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, a struggling Radamel Falcao remained true to form. His shot, though spectacularly saved by Chris Dunn, did nothing more than earn the club a corner.
Man of the Match: Cambridge United’s Michael Nelson was unwavered in defense. The 34-year-old won both of his aerial duels and finished a 90-minute shift with two tackles.
Lesson Learned: Manchester United’s position in the Premier League table is far from solidified. For a majority of Friday’s match, the club’s tactics were predictable. Though it can be difficult to unlock a heavy underdog away from home, United failed to force Cambridge out of its shape. The hosts were comfortable clearing crosses and chipped balls to safety, pinching the central part of the pitch. Friday’s performance was just another sign of deeper, systemic issues present at Manchester United.
Up Next: Cambridge United host Dagenham & Redbridge on Jan. 27, while Manchester United host Leicester City on Jan. 31.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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