Have Manchester United found their winning formula?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reds came out 4-1 winners in an impressive display vs Istanbul Başakşehir on Tuesday night.

A grand display from Manchester United’s attacking quartet of Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani sealed all three points for the home side as they remain top of Group H.

Fernandes found the back of the net twice, one of which is a sure contender for Goal of The Season. Alex Telles’ looping cross was cleared before finding Fernandes on the edge of the box who made no mistake in hitting the roof of the net with a sweet half-volley.

Bruno made himself the quickest Manchester United midfielder in history to score 20 goals for the club, asserting his dominance as one of the world’s best attacking midfielders. United fans have not been quiet in their comparisons of the Portuguese to footballing icon Eric Cantona.

'There was a confidence about Manchester United that the add-ons in Bruno Fernandes's contract were so improbable they would not end up shelling out the full €80million. It is just as well Sporting Lisbon did not insist on a penalty clause.' #mufc https://t.co/iM6k9QLBm1

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) November 24, 2020

Looking to extend their two goal advantage, Victor Lindelöf found Marcus Rashford with a fantastic over-the-top through ball, leaving Istanbul’s Bolingoli-Mbombo with no other option than to bring the English forward down inside the area.

Passing up the opportunity to complete his hat-trick, an unselfish Bruno Fernandes allowed Marcus Rashford to bag his fifth goal in four Champions League appearances this season.

Summer-signing Edinson Cavani impressed on his first start for United, holding the ball up perfectly in aid of United’s attacks. There was not a single ball the Uruguayan didn’t chase down all night, despite playing only 110 minutes of football for United prior to the victory.

The frontman attempted 24 passes in Tuesday night’s clash, completing 23. Cavani’s flawless link-up play and problematic movement proved that his class is permanent.

Donny van de Beek made sure to make a statement with his performance in the 4-1 triumph, forcing many fans to question Solskjaer’s team selection since the beginning of the season – mainly leaving the Dutchman in the dugout.

The £40m man completed 100% of his dribbles attempted, finished the game with an 88% pass accuracy and created two chances. The idea of a Van de Beek-Fernandes partnership is definitely something the United boss should look to explore.

Welsh youngster Daniel James recorded his first Champions League goal in a devastating counter attack in the dying embers.

The winger has had a tough spell at the club following a dream start where he tallied three goals in the month of August 2019 and took home United’s Player of The Month award. A much needed confidence-boost for the young lad who will look to get some valuable minutes in the upcoming busy Christmas schedule.

Following a difficult opening to the 2020/21 campaign, Anthony Martial looked a much bigger threat as he occupied the right-wing role instead of his usual centre-forward position – filled by Edinson Cavani.

The United boss was delighted with his attacking talent after the game, telling BT Sport: 

“Donny can play in different positions and Edinson is a good old fashioned number nine and we haven’t had that for a while and I was happy with how Anthony played off the left.”

The Red Devils will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash at St. Mary’s to face Ralph Hassenhuttl’s Southampton in the Premier League.

 

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