Manchester United lost 2-1 to PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League group game last night, after taking a 1-0 lead through Memphis Depay’s well worked goal, against his old club.
Smalling wore the captain’s armband for the game in the Netherlands, and in a post match interview with BT Sports, the England defender spoke of United’s demise:
“I think that we missed a cutting edge in the final third and in their box, and we needed to really try and make more of our possession,”
“In the first half PSV scored from their only chance, a corner, and then we gave the ball away just outside our box and they punished us. They were really their main chances, so it’s a disappointing night.”
“We scored a really good goal and then we couldn’t kick on from that. We’ve got a lot to learn to make sure we bounce back on Sunday.”
“You can’t take anything for granted, whether that’s a league game, a cup game or a Champions League game. If you don’t take your chances and the other team take theirs then, like tonight, we’ll be well and truly punished.”
The centre back was clearly frustrated with the possession play not resulting in chances that he flew up the pitch with the ball, bested the PSV defence and had a shot on goal.
Manchester United kept finished the game with 62% possession, but only managed 5 shots on goal. PSV’s feeble 38% possession managed to earn them 4 shots on goal, two of which found the back of the net. Possession just doesn’t win games, and it fails to make an entertaining game for the fans.
In the 15th minute, Luke Shaw sustained a heavy two footed scissor challenge from PSV’s eventual goal scorer, Hector Moreno. The left back was stretchered off, on oxygen and taken into surgery for a double fracture in his right leg. Smalling has wished his team mate well:
“I didn’t see the injury first hand, but I know a few of the players did and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The Red Devils continue their Premier League campaign with a trip down to St. Mary’s to play Southampton, on Sunday.
