December 2019 marked a year since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of Manchester United. This is his first full season in charge. The team has witnessed watershed changes in personnel and philosophy. However, results have been familiar with performances still yet to hit the expected mark. The job security of the manager will heavily depend on performance in the League. A trophy that has eluded itself from the cabinet ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. Here’s a rundown of likely factors that can determine our league position come end of the season.
Squad Strength and Ability
The boss started the season with special emphasis on fitness and work rate of the players. He said that Manchester United may be outplayed but should never outworked by the opponents. A fitting statement that hit hard with me. In the process, we’ve witnessed some scintillating counter attacking football. However, breaking down lesser quality opponents who like to sit back and play on the counter themselves remains a challenge. Draw or a loss against the bottom half league teams is always crucial points lost rather than one gained. Nevermind the performance on the day.
Long term absentees in Pogba, Tuanzebe, Fosu Mensah and Bailly are set to return from long term injuries imminently. The front line looks depleted with Rashford sidelined. The big money arrival of Bruno Fernandes could be the difference between Europa League and Champions League next season. Avoiding individual errors and staying fit through the rest of the season will boost our chances of making the top four.
Step up “ESPECIALLY” when rivals slip up
For several sad and obvious reasons the club finds itself fighting for a shot at top four(or five) rather than the league title. However, one can only make the best out of situation at hand and build on from there. United have had the chance to get ahead in the table especially when the likes of Chelsea or Spurs have dropped points. Somehow every time that we’ve had this chance, points have been dropped almost comically.
Surely the management needs to look into this as luck will play a very big role(unfortunately) for us going forward. We need to grasp every opportunity that presents itself. It’s a tough season ahead and consistency will be key. We must do better especially when we have a chance to leapfrog our direct competition. Fortunately, post the 2-0 victory over Chelsea, United find themselves in 7th place. Just 3 points adrift top four.
Impact of Cup Competitions
United are into the Round of 32 in Europa League and in the fifth round of FA Cup. United crashed out of the Carabao Cup semifinals. A trophy is always a welcomed with great joy and will also be the first feather in the hat of Ole in his managerial career in his dream job. However, 6 years after our league title and hardly challenging for it since, League position will be the main objective while doing our best in the cup runs as they provide an opportunity for silverware, squad rotation, exposure and experience building. Fixtures around the cup ties will also play a role in our performances in the league games with injuries, travel, form and fatigue playing their parts.
My Take
I certainly hope United can win the Europa League along with a spirited run in the FA Cup. Winning the Europa League sounds like a long shot but that would be the perfect way for Ole to prove his managerial worth. The greatest strength of United in its peak was the unbeatable attitude of “Winners” that only comes from winning. Winning a trophy can accelerate the ongoing rebuild and attract top draw talent in the Summer.
That would give us two trophies for the season and the unsurmountable feeling of winning a trophy and a competition. The main target should be finishing inside the top four. I believe it is very much achievable taking all said factors into consideration. Chelsea look out of depth and Leicester look found out. The spurs engine is gathering steam steadily. Chris Wilder and Nuno are punching above their weights in trying to finish inside the top 6. Ole has embraced the poisoned chalice with a smile. Hopefully his optimism and faith will soon turn into reality for all of our sake.
My Predicted League Finish – Fourth Place (Yup, I’m full of Hope)