Twelve games into the season and Manchester United are there or there about, they might not be leading the table but they are in the Champions League spot and are only 2 points off the top of the table. Even though many United fans have wished for better football from their team, Louis van Gaal has made them pragmatic, well at least they are getting the results, even if they don’t play the most attractive football in the league.
Manchester United get back to action against Watford on Saturday, after the international break and with a youngster like Jesse Lingard firing on all cylinders, they could just mount a concerted challenge and win the title. Louis van Gaal has made them tough to beat; only the 3-0 loss against Arsenal was the game when Manchester United looked out of their league. Barring that freakish result, Manchester United have done well.
The main reason for that is their defence, they have had the most clean sheets in the league and that, for once, isn’t just down to the form of David de Gea. Chris Smalling, yes him, has been one of the players of the season, and no we are not making stuff up. Smalling has been leaps and bounds ahead of the other defenders at United and currently is one of the best centre-backs in the league.
Even though United are not attacking and scoring at the rate they used to, a goal here and there does give them a chance of winning a game thanks to their resolute defence. With 2/3rds of the season remaining, we look ahead to their next four Premier League fixtures and predict their performances.
Watford – Away
Manchester United return to action away at 11th placed Watford. The home side are coming off a 2-1 loss to Jamie Vardy’s Leicester and will be looking to bounce back against the club from Manchester. Watford do have some firepower up front with Ighalo scoring 7 goals so far this season and they will be hopeful that he scores against the Red Devils.
The game would not be an easy one for Manchester United, especially after a rather emotional and energy sapping international break and with emotions still running high after the events during the week, this could end up as a scored draw between the two clubs.