The Debrief: Man Utd unconvincing even on special night, Gary O'Neil's MNF masterclass, and Unai Emery's brilliance

In his latest column, Adam Bate reflects on an emotional night at Old Trafford that still left Manchester United fearing how the derby will play out, Gary O'Neil's Monday Night Football masterclass, and one year of the Unai Emery revolution at Aston Villa…

Comment and Analysis @ghostgoal

Wednesday 25 October 2023 18:32, UK

It was a privilege to be at Old Trafford as Manchester United paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton. The poignant occasion was handled beautifully with United's past, present and future represented when laying a wreath inside the centre circle before kick-off.

Charlton's legacy is myriad but as a Busby Babe and the driving force behind the club's first European Cup win, he helped shape how United sees itself. The 87-year sequence in which an academy player has been named in the squad has become part of the mystique.

Tony Whelan, the long-time academy coach, calls it the scarlet thread that runs through the club's history. Another United trope is drama and their win over FC Copenhagen served up plenty after a poor first half. Two much-maligned figures enjoyed big moments.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

It was a special evening, one that was rightly celebrated with gusto upon the final whistle. But there was the occasion and there is the situation. It was easy to be excited by Harry Maguire's goal and Andre Onana's penalty save. Not so easy to be excited by this team.

Erik ten Hag has scrambled his way to three consecutive victories now and can point to the spirit required to do so. But this continues to look like a side searching for something that is missing. The style of play is unclear. The uncertainty in their game is alarming at times.

Please use Chrome browser for a