A little over a month ago, Manchester United were facing Leicester City in a top of the table clash. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, things were looking good for United. But that’s when it all started to go wrong. It’s now been over a month since United last won a game. A 3-2 loss against Wolfsburg knocked them out of the Champions League followed by 3 consecutive losses in the Premier League.
The style of football they have been playing has been horrible. The players don’t seem to be playing with any real desire or conviction. Louis Van Gaal looks defeated. It became painful to watch Man United. The fear factor that they once had, gone. The fortress that the Theatre of Dreams once was, breached. United now find themselves in 6th place at the mid-way stage. They’re 9 points off the top and 5 points behind Tottenham Hotspur in 4th place, which has led to a lot of speculations about the future of Van Gaal and it doesn’t look like he’s going to last much longer.
United started the season with a tough encounter versus Tottenham at Old Trafford. It was a disappointing performance, but a Kyle Walker own goal ensured United claimed all 3 points. Their performances in the League didn’t improve much in the coming weeks. They managed to escape Villa Park with a narrow win, but were only able to manage a goalless draw versus Newcastle. A third consecutive 2-1 loss to Swansea showed United had major problems. However, a dominant display in the Champions League Play-off round lifted the mood.
United fans got their first taste of what Memphis Depay can do as United crushed Club Brugge 7-1 over the two legs. Unfortunately though, he hasn’t done very much since then. United began to turn things around now starting with a 3-1 victory against rivals Liverpool. A solid second half performance, including a goal from debutant Anthony Martial sealed the victory. Although United were ripped apart by Arsenal at the Emirates, they were in a very good position in the League thanks to emphatic wins against Sunderland and Everton and a 3-2 win against Southampton at the St.Mary’s.
This is when their performances started to deteriorate once again. The frustration of the fans could be felt as they chanted Attack Attack Attack! Goalless draws against Man City and Crystal Palace were just the start. United’s fighting 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road has turned out to be their only win in over a month now. Injuries haven’t helped either. Luke Shaw was ruled out for a long while as he broke his leg against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. He was followed by Antonio Valencia who had to have surgery. It just got worse and worse as United had 10 players out at one point. Injuries to Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney, Morgan Schneiderlin, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and the suspension of Bastian Schweinsteiger meant youngsters like Guillermo Varela and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson made their first team debuts.
The calls for the sacking of Louis Van Gaal have become very strong now. United are playing poor football. They’re moving the ball around way too slowly; they are unable to break down defences and are playing without innovation. The defence which was solid throughout is starting to look clueless at times. Key players such as Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Memphis Depay have been in abysmal form. The players don’t look to be playing with the heart, desire and fighting spirit that we’re used to seeing, which has led to low confidence levels and it seems as though they might be losing faith in the manager.
The clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford was seen by many as Louis Van Gaal’s last, especially if United failed to perform. However, they looked a different team right from the first whistle as they took the game to a lackluster Chelsea side. Juan Mata hit the crossbar with a stunning strike very early into the game and Martial followed it up with a brilliant run into the box, only for his shot to find the post. Chelsea too had a few chances but were denied by the brilliance of David De Gea allowing the game to end in a goalless draw in what was a much better performance. United need to build on that now as they face Swansea at the Liberty next. They must go on a winning run now.
United’s best two players have been David De Gea and Chris Smalling this season. David De Gea has just gotten better and better as the season has progressed. After his transfer failed to go through, he signed a new four year contract with the option to extend with Manchester United and has not looked back since. His shot stopping ability is absolutely exceptional and his brilliant positioning helps make some of those all important stops. Chris Smalling has risen rapidly this season and has hardly put a foot wrong playing in the heart of the defence. He has rescued countless situations for United and has provided real stability at the back. He’s only missed one game for United this season and that was through injury.
With the January transfer window opening in a couple of days, United desperately need to sign a new striker. Anthony Martial has done well but there’s no other option with Wayne Rooney having a dismal season so far. It’s time to get the hunger back and show that Manchester United spirit, the belief and the never say die attitude that has won them so many titles over the years.
