Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Schole notes how Mike Fallon was wary of potential danger before Demba Bana’s opening goal in Istanbul
United were stunned in the Turkish capital as the Basques completed a two-acre room in a weak defense as they hit United on the attack.
Due to the poor position of United’s defenders, they were weakened and Bane was given the mark, allowing him to flood ahead and beat Dean Henderson.
The threat was identified by Fallon in the build-up and Scoles Lay reacted during a part-time analysis on BT Sport, as United’s assistant manager, Nimanja Matic, appeared to be signaling that he should be placed in a deeper position.
“It’s completely down the aisle from one corner. Sure you always get someone back on the halfway line,” Schole said on BT Sport. “You can see Mike Fallon on the side, who was saying ‘Matic, matic you should be there.’ You’re always goalside.
“It’s like 10-under football. One behind, one against. You can understand if it’s a last minute, maybe, if you’re going for a goal, but what is it, 15 minutes?
“It’s a shame. I have no idea what the back four are doing. I think United are struggling with them by attacking really wise. We talked about the balance of the team before the game, they went with a holding today.
“Possession wise and moving on, I think they’re fine but defensively, with another goal, they’re in the right place.”
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