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.
Leicester – Away
This is a top of the table clash, not many would have predicted such a rise for Leicester City this season but with Jamie Vardy scoring like there is no tomorrow, Leicester actually have a decent chance of winning the game. Remember last season? In that crazy 5-3 win for Leicester, we don’t expect the same crazy goal scoring antics but this could be a tough task for Manchester United.
Vardy has 12 goals to his name and if United’s defence can shackle the England international, the Red Devils might have a chance of escaping this game with a point but with United playing in midweek against PSV in the Champions League and qualification for the group still to be decided, this could be one game where they slip up and Leicester’s amazing run of form would continue. How many would bet against Vardy from scoring in this game?
West Ham – Home
The Hammers have had a much better season that most would have predicted, riding high up in sixth place and having beaten the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, Slaven Bilic has done a wonderful job this season for the other club in London. Playing Manchester United away is never an easy task but West Ham have been at their best in most of the away games and this could be yet another tough task for Manchester United.
The Red Devils needed a bit of time and gas to get going against West Brom in their last game and with West Ham having a game plan to disrupt and defend as much as possible, this could be a question of keeping the patience and perseverance. United would have to be at their best but a home game is the best tonic for any club and this should allow United to get the three points against the Hammers but a scored draw wouldn’t be a surprise if it does happen.
Bournemouth – Away
Eddie Howe’s men have been extremely unlucky to be in the relegation zone, despite playing some great football. Injuries have affected the team as well and they sit a couple of points off safety. Manchester United coming to town would be the last thing that Howe would need as he looks to take them out of the drop zone.
Bournemouth would have played Swansea, Everton and Chelsea before meeting Manchester United and that could take its toll on the team. United for their part would have to play a Champions League game against Wolfsburg in Germany, never an easy task and that could give some hope to Bournemouth but Manchester United should have just about enough in the gas tank to defeat Eddie Howe’s men and keep them in the drop zone for now while they dream about another Premier League trophy.
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