The Carling Cup re- introduced the bygone era of midweek action under floodlights for some of our Premier League sides, but once again it was largely used to mercilessly rest and rotate the teamsheet. That didn’t stop a certain Mexican striker from promoting his role at Old Trafford and it certainly doesn’t stop us picking through the bones of the lineups to decipher some pointers ahead of another Gameweek…
As expected, Alex Ferguson put out a much-changed lineup with Ben Amos, Wes Brown, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Fabio, Darron Gibson, Michael Carrick and Bebe all earning starting roles. Macheda led the attack with Gabriel Obertan pushed up in support.
Bebe stood out in what was a largely forgettable first-half for both sides; the winger’s deflected cross giving United a lead provided some interest before Wolves’ George Elokobi levelled matters. Bebe’s display at least prompted some praise from Ferguson…
“It was a good full debut for the boy. He’s been improving physically over the last few weeks and we’re very pleased with his potential. He’s brave, he’s quick and he’s a good crosser of the ball.”
Ferguson’s post match enthusiasm was largely reserved for Hernandez yet again though…
“He’s such a good professional, the kid. He’s first out and last in at the training ground every day and his goalscoring is getting him a lot of praise and credit and quite rightly…When he came on, you just knew that if he got a chance, he’d take it. It was a magnificent goal. He’s dummied the defender really well, shaped to shoot, pulled it round onto his left foot and it was a great finish.”
The United lineup offers us some clues as to his thinking ahead of the clash with Spurs this weekend and with Ji Sung Park having started and played the best part of 90 minutes, it would appear that Patrice Evra is being earmarked for a left-flank role once again. Elsewhere the starts for Carrick and Brown indicate that they will miss out and take their place on the bench at the weekend. Hernandez will surely start against Spurs and, quite rightly, that’s promoting some short-term Fantasy interest. With Wayne Rooney thought to be sidelined for another fortnight, the Mexican should get continued opportunities. Rooney’s return will cloud the issue considerably however and in my view, Hernandez will soon revert to his role demonstrated last night – as an impact sub.
The night was a memorable one for Mauro Bosellli who collected his first senior Wigan goal with a strike after just five minutes. Other notable performances included Moses who announced his return from injury with a strong display on the left flank and skipper Gary Caldwell who put himself in the frame for a first league start at Fulham. Certainly Martinez is hinting that Caldwell is the long-term partner for Alcaraz which creates further doubt over the budget potential of Steve Gohouri who is currently sidelined through injury.
“Gary (Caldwell) looked like he was enjoying his football and already you could see his partnership with Antolin looks to be a solid one…The understanding looks to be there already and that is important because it is a very important position for us.”
Di Matteo’s starting XI saw returns from injury for Marek Cech, Abdoulaye Meite and Joe Mattock – to add further competition for places. The likes of Graham Dorrans, Giles Barnes and Tchoyi all pushed their credentials for starting roles although it seems unlikely that Di Matteo will make unforced changes to a winning side when the Baggies visit Blackpool on Monday.
