After a disappointing start to the season, six straight wins have catapulted Manchester United into third place, with some even talking up the side’s title ambitions. But is that realistic target for the Red Devils? Do they have the squad that can compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City?
That is precisely the question that many United fans will be asking themselves. The simple answer is no. Although they have enough attackers to outscore most opponents in the League, they simply can’t rely on David De Gea to continue to be the side’s saviour for the rest of the season. While their defense has been decimated by injuries, the truth is that even a fully fit defense, isn’t good enough at the highest level.
One of the main reasons why Louis Van Gaal has had to try so many different systems is not just the injuries, but also the lack of quality in defense. Although the Red Devils spent big in the summer, they didn’t reinforce the defense, which was their main area of concern. And unless they do so in January, they will continue to have problems. Especially given their injury record.
One of the main problems with the current back line isn’t so much their quality, but rather their injury prone nature. When fit, Rafael is one of the best full backs in the League, but the problem for United, has been keeping him fit. And when he isn’t available, they have had to revert to Antonio Valencia; while he can do a job, he isn’t the player you want, especially at full back, where you need your players to have the energy and discipline to be able to not just be defensively resolute, but also bomb forward and support the attack whenever possible.
And even if the Red Devils have all their players fit and firing, the squad still looks a couple of notches below the likes of Chelsea and City, who have much more settled lineups. But one of the interesting things about United so far has been the fact that Van Gaal is yet to find his first XI.
One of the most important aspects to a title-winning side is stability. All of the great United sides of the past two decades have had that. The current Chelsea team have that. But so far at least, United have lacked that. A consistent bunch of players, who play week-in and week-out is key in the long run, so that the players understand each other and know the runs they are going to make and the players they are going to mark.
While injuries have had a major part in that, the bottom line is that we still don’t know who United’s first-choice midfielders or defenders. While the attack picks itself on most occasions, in Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney, he has three players who all want to operate as the central attacking midfielder. Although that is a happy problem to have, it still is a problem, if all three are fit and it will be interesting to see who drops out and what sort of side Van Gaal puts out.
For now at least, the Dutchman has quality at both ends of the pitch that has been shining through. In De Gea, he has a goal keeper who is in the form of his life and looks as though he just can’t be beaten and up front, he has a re-energized and revitalized Robin Van Persie, who has not only been scoring goals, but has also been creating chances and working hard for his team.
After the 3-0 win over Liverpool, Rooney said that the festive period will be crucial and if they are just a few points behind the top two at the start of the new year, they have a chance. And that certainly is true. The boxing day fixture against Newcastle United is the only home game they have until the middle of January and so they will have to improve their away form, which hasn’t been too great.
With the form the front line is in, three wins against Aston Villa, Tottenham and Stoke City should keep them within touching distance of Chelsea at the top and the closer they are, the more the experience of the current squad will come into effect. And while they might not win the League this season, if they continue their stubborn resolve, they will certainly come mighty close and start the next season, much stronger.