Terry Venables: Man Utd couldn’t handle David Silva

Posted Monday, October 24, 2011 by The Sun

Terry Venables: Man Utd couldn’t handle David Silva
SILVA'S PURE GOLD ... hero David Silva celebrates his goal as he and his City team-mates left 10-man United stunned

Q: Why did City win so convincingly?

A: Because they were brave enough to play such an attack-minded team in such a crucial match at the home of their biggest rivals.

That enabled them to play with a freedom rarely displayed by visitors at Manchester United.

City played like Spain. But as well as looking so threatening going forward, they were solid at the back with Vincent Kompany outstanding in defence yet again.

United were in control for the first 15-20 minutes but once City scored the opener they took command.

It was disappointing United had to play a lot of the second half with 10 men after Jonny Evans' red card but, the truth is, they were already beaten by then.

Q: Who had the most say?

A: David Silva. The slick Spaniard was heart of City's creativity as he enhanced his growing reputation even further with a really stunning performance. United simply could not handle him.

Silva was given more space and time on the ball the more the game went on with United defenders finding it impossible to shackle him.

Almost every time he got on the ball he had United on the back foot and running scared.

He played with such confidence and flamboyance you wonder why more Premier League managers do not look to boost their squads with Spaniards. They always settle here quickly.

Q: What did City do to win it?

A: City's attacking policy might have been brave but it was Roberto Mancini's decision to deploy a trio of hard-working holding midfield men in Yaya Toure, James Milner and Gareth Barry that proved the masterstroke.

After the first 20 minutes, they cut off the supply lines to Nani and Ashley Young. And they gave Silva a licence to thrill, which he accepted with relish.

Q: What was wrong with United?

A: They set up too defensively in the middle and did not have any playmakers.

Anderson and Darren Fletcher were unable to nail down Silva and that cost them. United's midfield pairing also struggled to get on the ball, meaning wide men Nani and Young and strikers Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck were starved of service.

That denied United the chance to inflict the attacking threat they usually impose.

Q: Did United play the wrong team?

A: The line-up looked more than capable of beating City.

Maybe Fergie could have done with a more creativity in the centre but it is difficult to criticise a manager and players who have done brilliantly in the past and will, no doubt, do brilliantly in the future.

Despite the margin of City's victory I do not think there is too much wrong with United's squad.

Q: Who will win the league?

A: You have to say City. They played like champions but they are not champions yet.

They have a great squad including the likes of Sergio Aguero. But it is important they do not get too carried away and start believing the title is already in the bag.

Fergie's men know what it takes to win a title and they know what it takes to come behind to win a title. Only a fool would write off United.