The revival of Manchester United is a real possibility and the red devils are now back in the spotlight. After a 4-0 drubbing by Brentford, the team is now competing in four major competitions according to The Athletic, a feat few could have predicted. With the return of competitive football, United have won 11 out of 12 matches and are now fourth in the Premier League. They have a semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest in the League Cup and a fourth-round clash against Reading in the FA Cup. Erik Ten Hag’s men have managed to turn what looked like a motley crew of uninspired players into a well-oiled racing machine.
However, beyond United’s resurgence, there remains the question of playing in four tournaments. Manchester United is the only English club that has to compete on four fronts and this test could be a very tough test for the players. Ten Hag are more than aware of this, but were only able to bring in Wout Weghorst on a short-term loan to solve their personnel problem. With everything left to play for but limited resources, it may be advisable to lose one or more races. The 52-year-old United manager will have to find a balance this season in order to achieve success.
August 13, 2022 is and Manchester United bowed their heads in frustration: nowhere to hide after a 4-0 drubbing by Brentford. Hardly anyone could have predicted United’s fortunate predicament.
According to The Athletic, United are the only team that can boast of still competing in four major competitions (via The Athletic).
The revival of Old Trafford is a real possibility, and letting go of previous fears is a real reality.
The return of the red devils
In the break before the World Cup, United came out in impressive form. With the return of competitive football, they were able to keep up the pace.
Erik Ten Hag’s men have won 11 of 12 matches and are now fourth in the Premier League. United also have a semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest in the League Cup and a fourth-round clash against Reading in the FA Cup.
It’s a feat few could have predicted.
Calm before the storm
Most of the opponents we have faced during this run of good form have been favorable.
However, it’s clear to see that Ten Hag has turned what looked like a motley crew of uninspired players into a well-oiled racing machine.
United smoothly turning into sharp counter-attacks reminiscent of the United of the old teams.
Likewise, the back line is solid and relentless in the grip. This balanced squad gave United their longest winning streak since the start of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era.
However, beyond United’s resurgence, there remains the question of playing in four tournaments. Manchester United is the only one English a club that has to compete on four fronts and this test could be a very tough test for the players.
Ten Hag are more than aware of this, but were only able to bring in Wout Weghorst on a short-term loan to solve their personnel problem. Ten Haga’s squad still lacks a sophisticated striker who can easily score 20 goals – an asset most big clubs have at their disposal.
A necessary evil
With everything left to play for but limited resources, it may be advisable to lose one or more races. It wouldn’t be the first time a United team has chosen the inevitable evil for the greater good by adding silverware to the trophy cabinet.
As The Athletic’s Karl Anka notes, former United boss Jose Mourinho preferred the Europa League over a top-four finish in the league. It was a risky strategy but in the end United won the club’s last prize and went on to the Champions League.
There is a fine line between courage and audacity or pride and prudence. The 52 years old The United manager will have to find a balance this season.
