After spending a huge sum on transfers and having the worst start to a season after 1986 United sit comfortably at top four two points ahead of their closest top four rivals but with 41 injuries in the squad before we have reached half way through the season United needs a perfect idea of how many points to gather in order to get back into the top four. Most United fans will be satisfied with a top four finish especially with the terrible start they had to the season. Louis Van Gaal is a top manager who has all the experience required to make Manchester United successful once again but it is anything but a straight forward task in the most competitive league in the world. Let us look at some reasons why Manchester United might make it to top four and why they might not.
Louis Van Gaal
There is a saying that any team is only as good as its manager. Manchester United made a horrendous mistake last season by appointing an inexperienced manager like David Moyes who had no experience handling the pressures of a big club and clubs don’t get bigger than Manchester United. Louis Van Gaal knows how it is to be under microscope and has a philosophy and system that has worked in Holland, Spain and Germany. He also has the aura and charisma which demands respect from the players which wasn’t the case under David Moyes who lost the dressing room by end of the season. Though LVG has issues in terms of his training regimes and his Stalinist model of management he has bought the team personnel who will support him at United and help him in the dressing room. LVG’s bravery to make the unpopular but correct decisions is commendable. His risky approach has reaped rewards until now and hopefully will continue to do so for United fans.
Angel Di Maria
A team always needs a talisman and Manchester United has that in Angel Di Maria. He is a game changer who can be the difference in the top four race. Liverpool has lost their star player to injury for over 3 months and it has massively affected the game and Tottenham lacks a world class player which has consistently affected their top four chances over the last few seasons. Though Di Maria is out for a few games due to a hamstring injury he has been a major influence in this season. Despite the recent dip in form, Di Maria’s worst days are still better than the best days of some players. LVG needs to handle Di Maria carefully and make sure he is injury free as he is key to their season. If Di Maria, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney can link up then United fans are in for some scintillating attack that will rival Liverpool’s Sturridge, Suarez and Sterling triumvirate of last season. But as with all players LVG must make sure Di Maria has the desire to play for United and his heart isn’t in Real Madrid like Ozil. With enough motivation and desire Di Maria maybe United’s key back to glory days
Lack of European football
The absence of European football is not a good thing. It greatly affects the ability of the club to bring in new players but a club of United’s stature is always bound to attract players. With a squad that consists of three players for each position, United have more than enough capability to handle 38 games in the Premier League and even compete for the FA cup. A week’s rest does a world of good to the fitness of players and United fans must be glad that they didn’t qualify for Europa League as Thursday night football is something that every player hates. With United’s injury record, the lack of European football is really a blessing in disguise as it would have seriously affected their league form. Liverpool benefitted from lesser games last year and this year they have really struggled in both Champions League and Premier League. With United’s squad strength they should be able to take advantage of lesser games.
Wayne Rooney
When Nemanja Vidic left this summer United fans feared that there would be a lack of leadership in the team and many wondered whether someone with a questionable reputation like Rooney can rise up to the task. But Rooney has proved all his haters wrong and has admirably risen up to the task with some excellent performances. Other than his unnecessary red card against West Ham, Rooney has fulfilled the captain’s role exceptionally well as he has led the team from front with some excellent goals and assists. He also maintains an excellent relationship with Louis Van Gaal as a result of which he is able to replicate and organise according to Louis Van Gaal’s instructions on the pitch. A leader is necessary to provide the direction for any team facing a challenge. If Rooney can be United’s Gerrard or Terry then a top four finish and cup win is certainly within their reach.
Youth
Every United fan will definitely remember the Macheda goal against Aston Villa that won them the 2008-09 Premier League title over the second placed Liverpool. In this season, United’s youth have played a major role as LVG has not been afraid to give youngsters like Wilson, Blackett and McNair chances over the big money signings and they have performed more than admirably with some excellent performances. Last season Raheem Sterling and John Flanagan’s excellent performances were a key factor in Liverpool’s title race and if the trio of Wilson, Blackett and McNair can emulate their form then they will certainly give LVG a selection headache that will be beneficial to Manchester United.
David De Gea
Well this man has single handedly won United at least 10 points this season. His performance against Everton was simply splendid! Though he is said to be in Madrid’s radar, United fans can be assured that he will definitely hang around till the end of this season. An excellent goalkeeper is always an asset to a club. Last season Joe Hart’s excellent performance against Everton when City was a goal down won them the league title. Similarly Cech saved Chelsea innumerable times last season with some excellent goal keeping. If De Gea can keep up his form all season then he will compensate for the faltering defense but if United can fix both then they easily in for a top 4 finish.
Why United may not finish in the top four
Defence
Leicester Football Club who are languishing in the 20th position scored 5 goals past the United defence. Though every defence has its bad days United has some serious defending issues. Though United are second on the clean sheet list with De Gea maintaining 5 clean sheets there has been a number of times United have conceded cheap goals through defensive errors. Though United can fire itself into top 4 simply by outscoring the other team it is not possible to do that when teams park the bus thus it also needs a good defence to make sure the other team don’t get the early goal and park the bus. Smalling has been unimpressive this season with his poor discipline and positioning, he has caused a number of errors that has affected United. LVG needs to quickly sort out United’s defensive issues as he can’t expect De Gea to bail them out every time.
Defensive Midfield
The much clichéd defensive midfield position has been an issue for the United team. With Blind’s injury United lacks a through and through defensive midfielder who can anchor the midfield and provide the necessary grit to prevent counters from the opposition. Though LVG has played Fletcher and Carrick in this position, they have been quite ineffective as they are natural central midfielders and are not suited to the defensive midfielder position. Thus, LVG need to try and buy an experienced DM like Nigel De Jong who can bring in the cynical game that United currently lacks. Though many may think that there is no need of a DM when an extra CB is available in the defence it is always better to have an experienced midfielder protecting the back three as Shaw and Rafael go deep into the opposition half while attacking leaving the defence exposed. Also with the inexperience in the current setup, an experienced midfielder who can shield the defence will make the United defence more stable.
Last season Arsenal needed only 73 points to finish in the top 4 (though they finished at 79). On an average 72 is the threshold for finishing in the top 4 and with the poor start made by teams other than Chelsea this season, the fourth place won’t require more than the average points as it looks to be a very close finish for the 3rd and 4th spot. Goal difference will also be of massive importance as there is a good chance that United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are heading towards a thrilling finish. Thus, United must also focus on conceding fewer goals while winning matches as this may come into account at the end of the season. With the squad depth and player quality among the top 4 competitors United stand the best chance.