They have been a bit topsy turvy this season and it can be frustrating. On a number of occasions they have rose to the occasion and blew their opponents away, there have been occasions where they just labored over the line and there have been occasions where they have been totally abysmal.
But for the first time in a long while, it looks like there might be reason for some hope and optimism after all. ETH seems to have for the first time since SAF returned discipline to the team, both on and off the pitch. They seem ready and committed to play for each other with a clear understanding of the system and what's expected of them.
The game against Tottenham was their third against the supposed top 6 in their first 10 games of the season. That's an average of 1 game against the top 6 every two games. And if Newcastle with their new Arab money and scintillating form is added to the mix, that makes it 7 in 10 games. This article is an attempt at the key takeaways from the match against Tottenham and the league so far.
One of the biggest issues that has plagued Manchester United over the course of the last years has been the lack of synergy and cohesion in midfield. There has been numerous individuals passing through the ranks without any of them being able to hold down the team and provide a formidable base for the attackers.
The acquisition of Casemiro and Eriksen has changed that narrative. The Dane is the melody to The Brazilian's high metal. Against Spurs it was Fred who took the mantle from Eriksen and provided a quite scintillating performance. The press was cohesive and coordinated squeezing the Tottenham team of space, outrunning, outmuscling them.
They provided good cover for the defense without depriving the team of any attacking bite. It was only fitting that both goals came from the midfield as Fred especially deserved his goal. With McTominay and Eriksen on the bench, this team all of a sudden looks like a team with a cohesive midfield and quality in depth.
It might sound quite hasty to consider old Trafford a fortress again after just a few games after losing wrecklessly against Brighton earlier in the season. But that was the last time they lost a league game at Old Trafford. Their only other loss at home was against Real Sociedad in the Europa league which was courtesy of a very cheap penalty.
In between that time, none of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham has been able to leave old Trafford with anything. The red devils have made it their point of duty to turn up in front of their fans especially against the big boys and deliver spectacular performances.
Yes, it might be early days, but the signs are encouraging and old Trafford might just be getting its glory back, sooner than expected.
The defense looks assured, the midfield is beginning to look flui, but the attack still looks incomplete. Numerous times this season I've watched this United team transition from defense through midfield, only for it to crumble in attack. There is a possibility of this team's progress stalling unless they get a proven striker in the peak of his powers.
Against Tottenham for example, they had 19 shots in the first half without scoring. That's the most they've ever had in the first half of a premier league game with scoring.
Anthony Martial was supposed to be the focal point of this new attack and showed enough promise in preseason to give the whole club hope that he might be ready after all. But in typical fashion, the striker has spent more time in the hospital than he has on the football pitch.
Ronaldo is 38 years old and is way beyond his prime. Apart from reputation and the fact that he's still a fantastic finisher, nothing else is working for the superstar. He's lost pace, is immobile and his hold up play is nonexistent. At best he should be playing back up to a younger proven striker.
Rashford, another who can play in the CF position just doesn't have the physique and intelligence to play as a CF. He seems more effective and efficient drifting in from the wide areas as he flourishes with space to run at defenders.
It is worthy to note that none of our strikers have managed a goal at OT since Rashford's double against Arsenal. ETH has the January and next summer's window to get a striker to complete his puzzle.
He is a legend and a supposed role model for the younger players including the likes of Sancho and Antony. But what kind of influence are you passing to them when you walk out on the team after they delivered unarguably their best performance of the season, just because you did not get to play?.
On a night when the team were celebrating one of their biggest wins of the season, he decided to make it about himself by performing a silly stunt. I have seen some of his fans peddling the idea of disrespect on the part of the coach, club and fans. I'm looking for where the disrespect came from though.
As far as I'm concerned, he was the one who disrespected the club by first missing preseason, and then having his agent peddle him to potential UCL suitors. As if that was not enough, he left the stadium after being substituted in his first match back in the team. Ronaldo should understand that he is part of a group and an employee of the club.
The coach has the power to determine who plays and who doesn't. If the team fails, it's usually the coach that takes the fall, and so far so good the coach has set a precedent of excellence. If you're performing well, you play, if you're fumbling, you don't. He is part of the team and can't be made an exception to the rule.
He should grow up and be a shining light or the club should rid of him in January in order not to infect the dressing room. He's a legend and we respect him, but he should also learn to respect his teammates.
Long may this form continue!
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