10 games. 3 wins. 4 draws. 3 defeats. Much has been written about Manchester United’s indifferent start to the season. Heres our take on the season so far.
Louis van Gaal finally took charge of Manchester United in mid July following a successful World Cup with his native country, The Netherlands, leading them to a 3rd place finish. After that, United impressed on our preseason tour, beating the likes of Roma, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The season started in August but the good results suddenly stopped. An opening day defeat to Swansea at Old Trafford was quickly followed by a goal less draw at Burnley and a 5-3 defeat to Leicester City.
Not good enough!
In the last 2 weeks, United have played the reigning Champions in Manchester City and the Champions elect, Chelsea. Sadly we only gained 1 point from these 2 fixtures – the same number we gained from the corresponding fixtures last term. But is this season heading for the same disappointment as last year?
Much has been made of it being Manchester Uniteds worst start to a league campaign since 1986…BEFORE Sir Alex Ferguson started his reign, 28 years ago today (and before i was born). Yes…unbelivably David Moyes did better!
So, I should be saying #vanGaalout right? Not a chance.
Last season, Mr Moyes took over a squad brimming full of confidence following the clinching of our 20th league title just a few months before. The defence had Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra as first choice. Yet the confidence ebbed away. The Premier League Champions only managed to attract Marouanne Fellaini to the club whilst we aimlessly chased Herrera, Fabregas, Thiago and more to no avail.
In January, despite the squad needing defenders and midfielders, Moyes signed Juan Mata, a fine player but one that did not address the problems that the squad were encountering. Fortunes didnt improve and we all know what happened. We fell from 1st to 7th and missed out on the Champions League places altogether.
Louis van Gaal, in comparison took over a mid table side, whose confidence was at rock bottom, hes had a tough job on his hands. His record speaks for itself, winning titles in every league hes managed. However its safe to say that the Premier League is by far the most competitive.
Without Champions League football, weve managed to attract some of the games biggest stars in Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, as well as the additions of Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, who Moyes failed to sign last year.
Yet, the results still arent coming you ask? Well if you are reading this and questioning LVG and his squad, you clearly havent been watching United this season or last.
Under David Moyes, United were flat, negative, indecisive and clueless. We would often conceed a goal and there be no response, no fight, no comeback, no heart. There was no United.
However under van Gaal, the players look different. There is a belief once again. Against Chelsea, we battled hard to earn a 1-1 draw and it was duely deserved. The same Chelsea who are threatening to blow the league away. Against City, despite being down to 10 men for the vast majority of the game, and had a make shift back 4, we battled hard to get back into the game and I feel we deserved much more than we got from the Etihad.
As i said earlier, last season, Moyes had Ferdinand Vidic and Evra at his disposal. LVG has had a series of injuries and suspensions to deal with. Jones, Smalling and Evans are permanently injured forcing LVGs hand in giving debuts to youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett. Michael Carrick also had to fill in at centre back, whilst Marcos Rojo will also spend further time on the sidelines.
For me January cant come quick enough. LVG has to spend once again. We should be aiming high to try to sign the likes of Mats Hummels and other world class central defenders. Other names that have been mentioned are Gerard Pique, Bruno Martins Indi and Ron Vlaar. All would add some much needed quality.
Whatever happens a quality centre back is a necessity. It will not only solidify our shaky defence but will give our offensive players the confidence to express themselves further up the field, knowing that the back door is secure.
On the whole, im not worried by our shaky start to the season. We have some of the finest forward players in the world. The performances are coming, the confidence is building, and United are on their way back.
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