Macclesfield and Weston-super-Mare carry the non-league hopes while fringe players need to seize their chances
Silly goals conceded, chances missed, a lead surrendered and points squandered against relegation fodder. On the face of things, Manchester United have changed manager but nothing else. The reality is different. They started slowly at Burnley, settling into a 4-2-3-1 formation that suits them – and pretty much every other team – far better than Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 before, midway through the first half, they started to play. The deployment of Bruno Fernandes close to the opposition goal, along with a wide player, Patrick Dorgu, playing on his natural side, meant Benjamin Sesko was, for the first time, provided with decent service. Then, following Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser, Darren Fletcher’s side risked defeat by going all out for the win – one nearly achieved through the timely introduction of Shea Lacey, a richly talented 18-year-old. Brighton will present far stiffer opposition but, for the first time in a long time, United are doing what United are meant to do. Daniel Harris
Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday 4.30pm (all GMT)
Macclesfield v Crystal Palace, Saturday 12.15pm
Grimsby v Weston-super-Mare, Saturday 5.45pm
Manchester City v Exeter, Saturday 3pm
Continue reading…Macclesfield and Weston-super-Mare carry the non-league hopes while fringe players need to seize their chancesSilly goals conceded, chances missed, a lead surrendered and points squandered against relegation fodder. On the face of things, Manchester United have changed manager but nothing else. The reality is different. They started slowly at Burnley, settling into a 4-2-3-1 formation that suits them – and pretty much every other team – far better than Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 before, midway through the first half, they started to play. The deployment of Bruno Fernandes close to the opposition goal, along with a wide player, Patrick Dorgu, playing on his natural side, meant Benjamin Sesko was, for the first time, provided with decent service. Then, following Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser, Darren Fletcher’s side risked defeat by going all out for the win – one nearly achieved through the timely introduction of Shea Lacey, a richly talented 18-year-old. Brighton will present far stiffer opposition but, for the first time in a long time, United are doing what United are meant to do. Daniel HarrisManchester United v Brighton, Sunday 4.30pm (all GMT)Macclesfield v Crystal Palace, Saturday 12.15pmGrimsby v Weston-super-Mare, Saturday 5.45pmManchester City v Exeter, Saturday 3pm Continue reading…
