United had a great 4-0 win against Everton and there were a lot of smiles.

But, was it all smiles?

Let’s give a bit of context.
What is new about Ruben’s Man United?

We’ve discussed this largely here since he joined the new Club.

Despite the most clear changes, as is formation and system, there’s an element of style that Ruben is bringing back.

Unlike Klopp, will not only be “Rock & Roll”, high pressing and ball rolling forwards at all times and at maximum speed.

Unlike Guardiola, will not only be focused on having the ball and being rigid in their positioning.

At least, not as much of any of these.

It will have elements of both.

But not now.

Now, the team reminds me the Guardiola’s Manchester City in his first Season.

With the likes of Gäel Clichy, Bakary Sagna, Fabian Delph or Iheanacho.
All of those, decent players but not to the style Pep wanted to play.

The result?

0 titles.

It was needed time, patience and money.

And, for Pep, he could still make that pre-season, he was still able to be there during 2 transfers markets.

So – then as now – time, patience and money will be required.

Not as much, maybe.

Back to yesterday’s game, it ended up smiling to United, but if you stopped watching the game in the first 30 minutes you wouldn’t be fulfilled with the great hopes of joy and great Football.

Simple as that.

On the contrary, you would be alarmed about some performances and understanding of the moment.

There was kind of an adaptation to a GK+4+4+2 formation defensively, with some confusion moments on the pressing moment.
I would say mainly on the left and central corridors, with Bruno Fernandes looking desperately to be also involved in the centre – making a 3rd man there and helping the double in need, Casemiro and Mainoo – but also trying to help Dalot on the left side.

In many occasions, unsuccessfully, ending up leaving on or the other outnumbered.

Maybe this happened because I felt, at times, that the defensive line was too deep in the pressing moments, creating an uncomfortable gap for midfielders to fulfill when there’s so much space around them.

The question becomes, for midfielders: “Do we press high or we go deep with the defenders?”

On the other hand, it may be an attempt to protect the team from a low capacity to press high on the oppositions centre-backs, with the pair Rashford-Zirkzee, and relying on the better capacity of understanding the ideal pressing moments from Bruno and Amad on the sides, with Mainoo’s energy in the centre.

Regardless, these or another, it’s time for a needed reflection and evaluation.

As always.

The problem is that Arsenal is just around the corner and there’s limited time to train, prepare and get better.

Yes, the game ended up smiling to United, but there’s a long road ahead.

Don’t get too excited!
At least, not yet.

It will come, with the right pieces, the right profiles, for the right positions.