Manchester United’s winning streak of 4 matches offers proof of their comeback.
Manchester United has emerged from the danger zone and appears to be in good health following four straight Premier League victories, including their 2-1 victory over Lincoln Town on Sunday.
After a recent goal against West Ham, the Stretford End advertising hoardings featured TV images of youthful players including Bobby Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund sitting together and grinning, which appeared to represent a fresh and happier atmosphere at Old Trafford.
United has a newfound sense of confidence, energy, intensity, and resilience. Thanks to their winning streak, they are only three points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently in fifth place. The Champions League is likely to be accessible to the top five players this season considering England’s coefficient in European competition.
For the time being, manager Erik Ten Hag is free of criticism. Despite winning the Carabao Cup and finishing in the top four last season, Ten Hag has endured uncomfortable questions and months of uncertainty about his appropriateness for the position.
Although there were rumors that certain players “were not having him,” his courageous and firm stance in addressing disciplinary matters involving Marcus Rashford and Jaydon Sancho is beginning to appear as though he has prevailed in these confrontations. A team that appeared to be sleepwalking through a few games in the fall now appears to be in high spirits, as demonstrated by their thrilling 4-3 victory at Wolves and their 2-1 victories in two taxing away games against Luton and Aston Villa. This past weekend, the defense held its own against the home team’s high-octane style and constant barrage of dangerous crosses.
The United team that lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth two months ago and placed last in their Champions League group (behind Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen) following a meek 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich would have most likely lost at Villa Park and Kenilworth Road.
Only Sheffield United, who were at the bottom of the table, had fewer goals scored at that point. Despite having the worst start to a season in sixty years, United’s forwards failed to score at Old Trafford before Christmas. What, then, has enabled Ten Hag’s team to turn things around?
They appear to be scoring goals at every opportunity, and Hojlund—who went without a goal in his first 14 Premier League games—became the youngest player in modern history to score in six straight top-flight English matches. With his agility and skill, the Danish striker is becoming more and more of a prized asset. He can spin past opponents to score goals or create opportunities for his teammates.
Alejandro Garnacho, an Argentinean winger with bleach blonde hair, is also intimidating defenses with his quickness, cunning, and goal-scoring ability. The highlight of the season thus far was the bicycle kick he scored against Everton.
Next is Rashford, who seems to be making a comeback following his wild night in Belfast and subsequent exclusion from the FA Cup match at Newport County. Ten Hag and his teammates undoubtedly made it clear to him when he came back with a goal against the Wolves that such transgressions would not be allowed. Although his five goals in 23 games this season are still far less than his 17 league goals from the previous campaign, he is contributing to a dangerous front three.
Another factor contributing to the Reds’ comeback was the 18-year-old Mainoo’s assignment to defensive midfield. He possesses the maturity of a player ten years older, as evidenced by his outstanding full debut in a 3-0 victory at Everton. He has the appearance of a potential English star.
After a shaky start, André Onana’s goalkeeping has improved. Diogo Dalot has been excellent at full-back. Harry Maguire has returned from “footballing Siberia” to anchor the back four once more. Luke Shaw and Casemiro’s return from injury have given the team more experience and leadership. (One warning: The latter is something of a liability due to his disciplinary record, which includes nine yellow cards in his last 11 games.)
Club captain Bruno Fernandes is still unstoppable despite his sporadic haughtiness, but Ten Hag would prefer to see a return to the form that netted him 18 goals and 12 assists in his debut season with the team. (After 23 league games this season, he only has three goals and five assists.)
Critics of United may legitimately point out that despite their recent successes, they are still far from being on the same level as the current elite (Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal). Though they are still a long way from being finished, they are finally heading in the right direction.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire and United supporter, has taken over the football division of the business. This move is expected to cause havoc throughout the hallowed halls of a renowned club that, despite its continued success, had lagged behind its primary competitors due to some clumsy transfer transactions. Examples include paying over £80 million for the unimpressive Anthony from Ajax and £60 million for Mason Mount, who struggled at Chelsea and has been sidelined most of the current season.
United wants Newcastle’s highly regarded Dan Ashworth to be their new sporting director, working at the sharp end of recruitment. United appointed Omar Berrada as their new CEO, luring him away from local rivals Manchester City. In addition, there are rumors that United may construct a “Wembley of the North” in lieu of the dilapidated Old Trafford.
Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) may limit the amount of money that can be invested in the first team roster, but it would be shocking if Ratcliffe and his group did not make a significant impression on the market this summer. However, they must be able to provide prospective recruits with the opportunity to play Champions League games in order to accomplish that.
Will Ten Hag be driven out and replaced as manager by Sir Jim’s winds of change? Perhaps not at their best right now, but the former Ajax manager is not part of the new administration, and United still has games against Manchester City away and Liverpool and Arsenal at home.
It will be interesting to see if their comeback can withstand such rigorous examinations, but signs of a turnaround are unquestionably beginning to emerge in order to prevent what earlier appeared to be a terrible season.