It has been an excellent turnaround in the space of a year for Manchester United. Under David Moyes, the Red Devils finished 7th in the Premier League, which was their worst league finish since 1990.
But, under Louis Van Gaal, it certainly looks like United have finally turned a corner and will be playing Champions League football again next season.
It has been far from plain sailing, though, with defeat to Swansea on the opening day and the 5-3 embarrassment to newly promoted Leicester among the worst moments. Who can forget the terrible 4-0 loss to MK Dons in the League Cup, although many players were rotated for that fixture. United haven’t lost since a 1-0 defeat to rivals Man City in early November and are nine Premier League matches unbeaten.
It has been suggested that Man Utd are still in with a chance of winning the league but, being 10 points behind and with leaders Chelsea playing so well, that may be a little too much to ask. But a top three finish – which they are on course for – should be more than enough to satisfy the fans for this season at least.
It was always going to take some time before United reached the heights achieved under Sir Alex’s reign, and after the mess Moyes left them in then you would have to give Van Gaal credit for turning things around so quickly.
It did take a while for the team to click but, now that they have, they are playing a hell of a lot better than last season. Obviously the money spent on new players in the summer helped – nearly £150 million was invested on the squad. Despite the millions spent, it doesn’t necessarily buy you instant title success. It was always going to take a little bit of time for players to get used to the Premier League and learn to play together. That is why a return to the Champions League would be a job well done for Van Gaal’s first season and next season will be the time to push on and start challenge again.
Despite the many injuries that United have suffered this season, the system implemented is looking strong. In recent months, Van Gaal has reverted back to a back three, with Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia as wing backs. It has allowed United to defend in numbers and look extremely dangerous going forward. Although Wayne Rooney is better suited as a centre forward, perhaps his new role dropping into midfield might just work.
It allows United to play Falcao and Robin Van Persie upfront and, even with Rooney in midfield, when United do go forward they have these three plus Spaniard Juan Mata all looking to attack. This was demonstrated against Newcastle, where Rooney still managed to get two goals from midfield. The Red Devils have looked much tighter at the back during this unbeaten run as well, and with David de Gea at his very best, the team as a whole looks at its most balanced for over 12 months.
And with even more money rumoured to be available next summer, it won’t be long before Manchester United can think seriously about adding to their 20 league titles.
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