The National's Sport cover for the Monday, August 31 issue, featuring Bafetimbi Gomis as Swansea City defeated Manchester United in the Premier League.
It was a humbling loss for United, after going up 1-0 early on through a Juan Mata strike. Andre Ayew levelled and Gomis struck the winner as a United side who had been clawing along with results despite unconvincing play finally were dealt a blow.
Richard Jolly writes it's the appropriate outcome for a team by a United team being steered by an erratic Louis van Gaal:
“Individual results can be misleading, and it was a surprise how ragged United were after their unbeaten start to the campaign, yet this could scarcely be called a surprise result.
“United had rarely been convincing in their wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. Swansea look a more cohesive unit than United, and there are more indications of clear thinking on the Welsh coast than at Old Trafford.
“United have seemed reliant on Van Gaal’s micromanagement and tactical tweaks at times during games this season, but an English novice has again shown an ability to outwit the Dutch master.
“The 36-year-old Garry Monk’s capacity to think on his feet is one sign he possesses the potential to become a top-class manager.
“United’s enduring struggles to recapture the verve and class they used to exhibit poses questions if Van Gaal remains one.”
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