Man United: How far have the Red Devils fallen behind their counterparts

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Daniel James of Manchester United thanks the fans after victory in the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Rochdale AFC at Old Trafford on September 25, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Daniel James of Manchester United thanks the fans after victory in the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Rochdale AFC at Old Trafford on September 25, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

At one point, all the tough times appeared to be behind Man United. Sadly, it looks as if the dark days are here to stay as the season chips on.

Nothing consistent at all about Ole’s Man United. If we have to pick any good aspect of the Red Devils’ gameplay and personnel, it would have to be Daniel James, their most promising player.

Also, the biggest success coming from the summer transfer window. What’s even more disappointing? United spent £45m and £80 million on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire, respectively.

The latter being the most expensive defender signing in the history of football. Together with the world-class keeper, David de Gea and co, they’ve let by six goals in six matches, with them having to take on the Gunners at Old Trafford later.

More from Manchester City

Current United situation

The current situation at Old Trafford has Ole pinned up against the wall by the United hierarchy. They sit in a dismal 11th place and take on Arsenal with their game in hand. Reports have just surfaced the man at the wheel might be taken out of the driving seat if the aforementioned is not met with a positive result, along with the oldest rival match against Liverpool.

Of their top-six battles, they’ve already claimed the skull of Frank Lampard. This gives them some hope heading into an important clash, in their bid to find a Champions League spot. But the fact they have already lost two, drawn two and won two only, makes it hard to judge what United side will turn up.

The next three matches appear to be the most important for the manager. Thankfully, a return of playmaker and last season’s best player, Paul Pogba will be the difference in getting some positive results. United’s struggle stretches beyond their Premier League misfortunes.

It has seen them struggle against League One side, Rochdale in the EFL Cup. They’d just about won the fixture that went all the way to a penalty shootout. Doubling up with this poor showing was their Europa League 1-0 victory over Astana.

Why poor? Both cup fixtures were played at the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, and both performances were disgustingly unattractive, to begin with. If they are to make any sort of recovery and put the bad days behind them, Old Trafford needs to become a fortress again.

light. Related Story. Could we see the last of Ole Gunnar

What needs changing?

More goals for one (I know I sound like Michael Owen stating the obvious but it has to be said over and over). They cannot go and score four on the first day of the season, and then struggle to score thereafter that they only average a goal a game.

A defence to the cost of £186 million must do better in this league. They can brag the fact they don’t possess the worst defence of the top-six clubs in the Premier League this season. Chelsea (13 goals conceded) has the worst defensive team followed by Arsenal (10) and Spurs (9).

With all being said, it is safe to say… Jose Mourinho appears to be right on the money about what is going on at the once brilliant, Man United.