It’s been a tough old decade for Manchester United fans, and while the Red Devils are beginning to look like they have a plan, the club has a long way to go to catch their neighbours, who happen to be the best team in the land.
Across to road at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City have started their campaign in imposing style, having gone top of the Premier League on Saturday and firing in Europe. With new striker Erling Braut Haaland looking set to break a few scoring records (he’s already bagged 11 goals in seven league games and two in the Champions League), the Sky Blues are the team the catch in the domestic game.
In contrast, Erik Ten Hag’s Red Devils lost their first two league games and their Europa League opener, but their Premier League 2022 results took a sharp upturn after they pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Liverpool late in August.
They are fighting for a top-four place with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, also hoping that pace-setters Arsenal lose some momentum as the season unfolds. United are currently joint-fifth in the Premier League 2022 betting odds at an SBOTOP price of 34.00, alongside Chelsea. They currently sit fifth in the league table, ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool, so things look fairly encouraging at the moment.
Ten Hag’s men were due to take on Leeds United on Sunday but the fixture was postponed, as the UK stays in a period of mourning following the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second. Manchester United vs Leeds United is one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures in the football calendar. It’s a rivalry as old as the hills but it will have to wait, and that give fans time to take stock of their club’s progress.
Brazilian pair can bring excitement back to Old Trafford
The signing of Brazil midfield ace Casemiro split opinion in Manchester as, while many United fans saw this as the type of player they need to launch a top-four challenge, some saw the signing as a desperate effort to appease fans by spending upwards of £60m for a 30-year-old unwanted by Real Madrid. He was unveiled during United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool and, since his arrival, the Red Devils have gone on to win their next three league games.
While he is not a creative midfielder by trade, the Brazil star can sit just in front of the defence or operate box to box. His vision and tactical awareness are the traits which made him a Los Blancos legend, and he brings three La Liga titles and five Champions League medals with him. His full-blooded tackling will get the Manchester United fans on their feet and let opposing midfielders know they are in a game.
And his midfield dominance will allow the creative players, such as Bruno Fernandes to thrive. The Portuguese star scored the winner in United’s 1-0 win over Southampton and he will benefit hugely from the space Casemiro can create.
And Ten Hag followed that signing up with the deadline day capture of Selecao forward Antony, from his old club Ajax in an eye-watering £86m deal. The 22-year-old has signed a contract which takes his to 2027 and he was clearly delighted by the move, saying: “This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”
The young striker announced himself to the Old Trafford fans with a brilliantly taken goal in their 3-1 victory over Arsenal.
But not everyone was happy. The timing of the move angered Ajax chiefs after the deal completed on deadline day, giving them no time to secure a replacement. The Red Devils had been tracking the player for weeks but were put off by the big price tag until the very last moment.
What’s next?
Following their postponement on Sunday, the Manchester United players have an extended wait for their next Premier League fixture as the football world moves into an international break. Many of the United players will be in international action, but when the domestic league starts again at the beginning of October they have the biggest test of all…the Manchester Derby at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s champions have the deepest squad packed with world-class talent and the most feared striker on the planet. But Manchester United have already beaten Liverpool and Arsenal so why not City?
Now that would make the Red Devils fans happy!
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