Premier League: Are Manchester United real title contenders?
By Varun Aithal
After a win at Turf Moor, Manchester United went three points clear of second-placed Liverpool in the title race. Are we to consider Manchester United real title contenders?
After having a look at the Premier League standings last night, most of Manchester United fans were unable to sleep. The insomnia was not because of any loss or draw, but because of the win against Sean Dyche’s Burnley at Turf Moor.
Paul Pogba‘s thunderous volley was enough for the Red Devils to take all three points on the road in their midweek clash. After 17 game weeks, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are three points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s’ Liverpool.
After a 1-6 thrashing at Old Trafford by the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Spurs, nobody expected Ole to turn the season around to this extent. Thankfully, multiple results have gone the club’s way, and some of the comebacks by the United players have been special.
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From being called “Bruno Fernandes F.C”, the Red Devils have stepped up their performance in the league. Despite fielding a weaker side against Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, Manchester United eked out a 1-0 victory.
Last season at this point the Red Devils were 24 points behind the league leaders Liverpool and were out of the top four. Solskjaer was struggling to get results against sides who used to sit back and defend. However, things have changed for the Old Trafford outfit.
The quality additions in midfield are the main reason behind the club’s positive run during the festive season. Barring the loss against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, the club was able to muster up a victory in most of the games.
Some Man United fans were still unhappy with the performance. They were asking for the sacking of the manager despite the progress being made. They also termed it as a lucky event. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer went on to defend the club and said in the post-match interview:
"We didn’t play five or six games and you can say maybe it’s lucky. But after 17 games, definitely it is not lucky, definitely there is quality. (Via: manutd.com)"
The last Man United was here
Amongst the current crop of players in the squad, David de Gea and Phil Jones are two players who were part of the 2012/13 title-winning Manchester United.
Most of the players are yet to taste Premier League success whereas the likes of Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic will look to lift the trophy again in a Manchester United jersey this time.
Their leadership and mentorship have helped the younger members to step-up at the crucial moments.
May is still far away, approximately four and a half months to go still. More than half of the games are yet to be played in the English top-flight and it is totally inaccurate to talk about title possibilities.
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United consistently winning on the road has made their fans talk about the title race. During the initial stages of the league, Tottenham Hotspur were on top of the table, Chelsea were there and even Everton and Southampton sat at the top for a game week.
This season has been one of the most competitive title races in the last five years. Can Ole’s men come on the top?