Meanwhile, the main problem that faced the champions last season has been well and truly eradicated. Although they finished nine points clear at the top of the table last season, they only managed to win five games on the road and struggled outside of their Old Trafford fortress. The poor performances they have had this season are very similar to last year’s away game with mistakes, lapses of concentration and that lack of spark costing them points. But this season they already have six wins on their travels and have drawn the other two games, at Anfield and the Britannia Stadium, two places where weaknesses will be exposed.
At the beginning of the season their performances were breathtaking, Ashley Young made a great start to life at United and created a formidable attack with Nani, Welbeck and Rooney. Goals were coming in abundance and some very good teams were made to look ordinary. Despite recent troubles with injuries and a playing style that has left a lot to the imagination it hasn’t stopped the chances being created. Against Newcastle they dropped points but had a mountain of chances to win and on Sunday they could have scored five before half time with a bit more luck and accuracy.
They have been wasteful rather than poor but this has led to the defensive lapses having greater significance. At times these performances haven’t been easy on the eye or as convincing as the victory over QPR but being successful isn’t always about playing attractive football, it’s about getting a result when your back’s against the wall.
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The fact that Manchester United no longer have a first-team littered with world-class players has got people wanting signings and they are comparing the side to City and their endless supply of money and talent. I accept that they are not in the Champions League and that the Europa League is not acceptable for a club of this stature but there is the chance to win that. Similarly, a two point gap after 16 games is hardly anything to worry about. A slip-up at the Etihad Stadium or a reversal of October’s derby day disaster and United would be back in pole position.
Finally, for those still worrying about the 6-1 loss, in the 2008-09 season, Liverpool were top of the league and dished out a 4-1 beating at the Theatre of Dreams but their lead slipped away and United were able to win their 18th league title. Three seasons later City delivered their demolition. Could history repeat itself? Don’t ever rule it out.
Written by Joshua Robbins for FootballFancast.com. How nervous do you think United’s rivals should be? Comment below or let me know on Twitter @jrobbins1991.
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