Another week, another exciting Cup match and yet, another disappointing League draw. There are clear issues at Manchester United. Whether it’s a lack of confidence or if it’s the fact that there are players still in the squad who need to be offloaded (we’ll get to that soon), Jose Mourinho has had to rely on a team that, for better or for worse, his predecessors Moyes and van Gaal assembled, sometimes rather hastily, to contend in England.
Jose said at the start of this season that the Premier League would be the Club’s top priority. However, United are performing better in the Europa League and EFL Cup than in the League. United are in sixth place behind Spurs, who are six points ahead. Manchester City, who are in 4th at 30 points, are nine points ahead and leaders-Chelsea are 13 points ahead. It is entirely possible, given United’s schedule in the upcoming weeks before the new year, that United could make up ground.
For the rest of 2016, United face Spurs, Palace, West Brom, Sunderland and Middelsbrough. This is not to suggest is will be easy, given how mediocre the team have looked in recent weeks in the League, but it is possible. A win or draw against Spurs narrows the gap into the top five. The remaining four matches, whilst competitive, should be winnable. Palace just won their first match in their last seven, Sunderland are only recently in good form, and Middlesbrough have given top clubs a worry, but have issues that could play into United’s strengths. West Brom are in really good form and will put up a fight, but again, Manchester United should come away with three points.
There are positives, however. United looked deadly against West Ham in the midweek EFL clash after just facing them in the League and settling for another draw. Zlatan scored within two minutes of the opening whistle with a smart right-footed shot after a brilliant assist from Mkhitaryan. United continued well for the rest of the half, but couldn’t convert several effort before West Ham equalised at the 35th minute after former United Academy youngster Ashley Fletcher tapped in from close range after De Gea failed to control a shot from the area. After halftime, though, United went mad. Martial doubled United’s tally with another smart assist from the Armenian, who found the French winger at the edge of the area after a run towards the touchline. Martial then found the net again at the 62nd minute after a cross from Antonio Valencia found him at Randolph’s far post. Zlatan then finished the job and got his brace in the 90+3rd minute with Herrera giving the assist.
Besides the scoreline, the two biggest stories to come out of the West Ham game was the incredible performance of Mkhitaryan, who rightfully earned the Man of the Match award, and the appearance of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who came on in the 86th minute for the first time in all competitions this season. The German legend came on to great ovation from the United faithful, many of whom have been calling for Basti to be a regular part of the squad to help balance midfield and effect matches. Hopefully we see more of the German in the weeks to come.
United then traveled to Goodison Park to face Everton, who started the season with 13 points, but who have only won once in their last eight, drawn five and lost three. United were the first to score, with Ibrahimovic cleverly chipping the oncoming Stekelnburg but the ball first hit the crossbar, then the goal line, then the post, and then back-spun into the net. Ramiro Funes Mori could have probably kept the ball out of the net if he had hustled a bit. Following the Swede’s goal, United piled on more pressure, with Martial having a good effort on goal and Pogba missing a header. The halftime whistle blew with United dominating possession and being the only side to really threaten goal. The story continued after halftime and the Reds looked likely to double their lead. Everton had a few chances, but De Gea made a couple of brilliant saves to keep United’s lead and secure the three points. In the 85th minute, with Everton putting more and more pressure on De Gea’s net, Mourinho decided to withdraw Mkhitaryan and replace him with Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini hasn’t featured much for United since the start of the season and isn’t the most popular among United supporters. For his 100th appearance in a Red kit, his job was to help keep possession and see out the game. Instead, he gave away a silly penalty. He needlessly charged at Idrissa Gueye and collided with the former Aston Villa man. Leighton Baines stepped up to put away from the spot to equalise.
That penalty cost United a much needed win and three points, and was their fifth draw in six, their first since 1978. With that victory, United could have been only four points off Spurs, who they face next weekend. Mourinho will feel some pressure for the rest of 2016. United need to secure wins in order to remain in contention for a Champions League spot for next season. Players like Fellaini, Schneiderlin and even Memphis Depay (who I think deserves more time but is unlikely to get it) should be offloaded in the January transfer window. Not only will that get some money back after the Pogba buy, but it will also clean out the team sheet and send them to clubs where they might get more playing time.
Looking ahead, United will travel to Ukraine to face Zorya Luhansk, who United beat 1:0 at home, for the final match of Europa League Group A action. A draw will secure United’s qualification into the Round of 16, but a win could put United top of the group, if Fenerbache draws or loses to Feyenoord. Then, on Sunday, United host Spurs for a must-win match-up. Failure to beat Tottenham will mean that the gap into the top five, and especially the top four, will become dauntingly wide.
Check back next Monday for a recap of this week’s action and a look ahead to the rest of December’s Premier League action.
