Opinion: Disappointed with Manchester United
By Wyatt Miner
After a strong start to the season, Manchester United’s intensity has appeared to vanish.
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, United has been in a rough spot. We’ve run through three managers since 2013. United supporters witnessed the Red Devils struggle for four years. Now, Jose Mourinho is in control, and he is leading the team in the right direction.
The start of the 2017/18 season was the best start to a season United has had in years. However, recently Manchester United’s level of performance has started to decline rapidly. Perhaps the most noticeable moment was United’s poor performance against Huddersfield Town — one of the most embarrassing losses in recent memory.
From a supporters standpoint, I am no longer sad when Manchester United loses. I am simply disappointed.
Sunday’s game against Chelsea was abysmal. United rarely had possession of the ball, and due to this, the game ended in a 1-0 loss. To be completely honest, we deserved to lose. Chelsea looked a much better side than we did.
Despite the loss, there were some high points in the match. United’s defense did really well against a dominate Chelsea team. Additionally, David De Gea was a monster in goal, as usual. Aside from top performances in goal and in defense, there are not a lot of positives one can take away.
The truth is that Manchester United has spent a lot of money in the summer transfer window. With the amount of cash spent, United should be winning every game. Clubs spend top dollar for world-class players, and they hope to receive championships out of doing so. United is spending top dollar for players, but the team is still struggling to find wins. The feeling of disappointment only grows as the season progresses.
Why are we losing?
These poor performances are linked to the midfield. Paul Pogba suffered an injury early on in the season, and that spelled trouble for the Red Devils. He is a monster in the midfield — a huge physical presence — and he plays a critical role in United’s offense.
For United to get back to winning ways, Mourinho needs to find a lineup that can function without Paul Pogba. Ultimately, Matic or Fellaini need to be able to run the midfield. Someone needs step up and assume the role that Pogba plays in the midfield.
Also, United has struggled to score goals. For instance, Lukaku has not scored in several games. I think that this also links back to the midfield. United lacks the creative presence that the young Frenchman brings to the team. Essentially, United’s midfield is not as deep as one would think.
Next: United disappointing in loss to Chelsea
In the end, United’s performances as of recent have left many disappointed. Supporters all across the globe deserve a winning United team. Yes, there are absences in the squad, and it is entirely possible that United can close the huge gap in the league table with Manchester City. It is just a matter of time before United can find their stride again.