Despite getting some really dodgy results during the settling in period, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will still be pleased that the club didn’t have any really tough fixtures against the big boys in his first couple of months in charge.
When the team was still pretty much in disarray, a spanking against Chelsea or Manchester City could have left the Dutchman with a potentially irretrievable situation and confidence completely shattered.
Thankfully, there have been portents of serious improvement over the last month and Manchester United are starting to motor again. But that return to some kind of form can’t come soon enough as they are about to enter a period of absolutely massive fixtures.
After West Brom away on Monday, 3 of Manchester United’s following 4 games are against title contenders. Let’s have a look at those games and the possible outcomes.
Chelsea (H) Sun 26th October @ 16:00 – Chelsea have been on fire this season but they too have had a favourable fixture list to begin with. They have played an under par Manchester City away (1-1) and thrashed Everton on their own patch. But they have also been able to get their eye in with games against Villa, Swansea, Leicester and Burnley. United have to win this game if they want to be in with a shout of the title and if they can show the form that they do in 20 minute patches, over the course of a whole game, we think that they can squeeze a narrow victory. Manchester United win
Manchester City (A) Sun 2nd November @ 13:30 – The toughest test of the season. Despite Chelsea’s excellent form we still believe that Manchester City is the team to beat. On form they are the most frightening and powerful side in the league and can destroy anyone. But, while they are beginning to shows signs of that imperious style again, this may be a good time to play them as they search for full form and momentum. Manchester United will have to put on their best defensive show of the season if they want to take any points. But injured defenders are returning to action DRAW
Arsenal (A) Saturday 22nd November @ 17:30 – The Gunners are, as ever, beautiful to watch going forward. They should also have Aaron Ramsey back in the side by the time they face United. But they aren’t quite in the same heavyweight bracket as the aforementioned clubs and United have tended to play with great freedom and confidence at The Emirates over the years. A win is certainly not beyond United if they defend properly. But let’s sit on the fence. DRAW
United fans: How do you think the club will fare in the forthcoming crunch games?
