Gary Neville: Manchester United are title contenders once again
Manchester United are fighting for the Premier League title this season, and former United defender Gary Neville considers this the first time they’ve made a serious challenge in years.
Neville, speaking to ESPN FC, stated that this is the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down that United have seriously competed.
“This season will be a big challenge to win the league, City are looking fantastic. But there’s something there that tells me (Manchester United) are capable of winning the league, and I’ve not seen that for the last three or four years. I’ve not seen a team capable of challenging, let alone winning it.”
Following Ferguson’s retirement in the 2013 title-winning season, United have struggled to reach the same standards that the legendary manager had set for the massive club.
Manchester United went from competing in both domestically and abroad, to struggling to finish top four in the league.
A disastrous 2013-14 season under David Moyes would only be followed up by two horrible seasons under Louis Van Gaal.
But in Mourinho’s second season at the helm, Neville believes United are finally back where they belong.
“There’s consistency, definitely,” said Neville. “There’s strength, there’s power, they’re tough to beat, there are a lot of very good things.”
Manchester United are facing steep competition from its noisy neighbors, as Pep Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into a goal scoring factory. Despite the goals, Neville feels United can still hang around.
“At the moment, City are looking in the better form — but United have got the maturity and I’m sure they will get through the winter months well, which can be key.”
United sit just two points behind City at the top of the league, and have a goal difference of 19 compared to City’s 25.
Despite the defensive showing last Saturday at Anfield, its nothing to be concerned about.
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“If we left Anfield with a point, particularly early in the season, we’d be delighted,” he added.
Manchester United are lacking for goals. They’ve scored the second most in the top flight at 21, only trailing City’s 29.
With a stout defense and David De Gea playing like the best goalkeeper in the world, United have the foundation to keep pace with City.
Manchester United have spent the cash and now have the pieces needed to make a serious mount at the title. Paul Pogba will return from injury soon, Romelu Lukaku is in fantastic form, and the dynamic duo of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial is electrifying. Nemanja Matic has dominated in midfield, and Phil Jones has been great in defense.
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Should United continue to pressure city — or potentially — surpass them and win the title, one thing is for sure. The Old Trafford faithful haven’t seen a team compete in this way since Fergie’s final game.