A 4-1 win against Newcastle United on Boxing Day and a 2-0 victory against Burnley away have certainly uplifted the moods of the team from the red side of Manchester. A disgraceful loss away to Watford unsettled the team and the fans with a monumental effort required for Ole to regain the form United were in. United’s propensity of inconsistencies in results throughout the season would’ve seen a disdainful effort against Newcastle and Burnley but Ole had backed the team and the positive results were claimed in United’s favour.

With Pogba out of the team squad for the reds’ trip to Burnley, questions were asked of the midfield put out by Ole with Fred, Matic and Perreira. Was a negative performance on the way for United with Pogba and McTominay ruled out of the clash against Burnley? Quite the contrary.

A mistake by Taylor in his own half saw Perreira win the ball and gift Martial with an exquisite pass who lifts his effort over Pope to break the deadlock 2 minutes before halftime. Burnely with their heads in their hands, went into halftime a goal down and dominated by United’s heroics.

The second half portrayed a different light to Burnley’s darkness. Overshadowed by their first half efforts and with only 1 shot at goal in the past two games, Burnley pressured United for the ball and looked for an equaliser. Although, their efforts had been deemed insufficient as United held back and were compact in their defence. A late goal for Marcus Rashford settled the scoreline with 2-0 deficit against Burnley and a commendable effort on United’s behalf.

With a clean sheet, an away win and a recent run of games inspiriting United, they will look to continue their form against Arsenal in their midweek clash. A recent turnaround of performances for United will surely improve the squad’s morale as Ole aims for a top 4 finish and a win against Arsenal certainly helps that cause. United are looking to prove their worth against sides who cede possession and a win against Burnley at Turf Moor solidifies this statement.

Imad – 31/12/19

Manchester United faced Newcastle United at Old Trafford on the 27th. Coming off with a loss to Watford and the hopes of finishing top 4 slowly diminishing, the red devils had a point to prove going into the game against Newcastle in order to reinvigorate their form.

Although, Newcastle had been the team to open up the deadlock with Matty Longstaff scoring his second goal of the season against United. Deja vu for United fans? Not quite with a pelting shot by Martial left Dubravka with no chance as the ball nestled its way into the net. Using the momentum, United kept asking questions for Newcastle’s defence and surely enough, a mistake had been made for Greenwood to come in and score a tremendous goal. It was Robin Van Persie like and United were now 2-1 up.

Nearing the end to the first half, a cross by Aaron Wan Bissaka saw Marcus Rashford’s head as the ball went straight past Dubravka. 3-1 at the end of the first half. Not bad coming off with a tragic defeat against Watford in the past week.

The second half didn’t pose a great significance on behalf of Newcastle’s situation as Martial dinked the ball past the keeper as the scoreline reflected United’s dominance. In control and a great performance against Newcastle saw United with another fiesty win and a regrowth of their top 4 chances.

Imad – 30/12/19

Absymal. Atrocious, Dreadful. These words don’t even come close to describe United’s performance against out of form Watford United. You’d think, the team that beat Man City and Tottenham in the same week, would have no problems with bottom placed, relegation battling, Watford United. Oh how wrong we were.

A tedious and monotonous first half; the fans expected more from the team capable of beating bottom placed Watford and 7 minutes into the second half, the fans were in for a shock. Hughes’ gave a peach of a ball into the box, touching Kabasele before Sarr had an optimistic shot towards goal, Being De Gea, one of the best keepers in the world, you’d think he’d be able to grab onto it. BUT NO. His mishap and failure of judgement forced the ball through and into the net. United were now losing 1-0 to bottom placed Watford.

Oh but it was not over yet for United. Two minutes later and a belligerent challenge from Wan Bissaka saw Watford win a penalty. Deeney proceeded to give Watford a breathing space as Watford went 2-0 up against United.

Serious questions are asked of Ole and of United. Losing to bottom placed Watford who’ve only won a game (no disrespect to Watford) this whole season; United were expected to role through and pass with ease. Props to Watford for their unity and courage against us. As for United, we’ll be hoping this was a lapse of judgement from Ole and the players and such performances shouldn’t bring the team down.

We’ll be hoping United come back stronger the next game with some fight and enough dignity to give what the fans deserve.

Imad – 23/12/19

United go through to the semi finals of the Carabao Cup after a convincing 3-0 win against Colchester United. The three goals were scored in quick succession in the second half with the goals from Rashford, an own goal by Colchester United’s player; Ryan Jackson and Anthony Martial. Although, questions are still asked with Manchester United’s ability to break down teams who stay at the back with their compact defenses.

On the other hand, Manchester City played Oxford United in their quarter final draw and easily swept past them with a 3-1 win.

Manchester United have drawn their cross town rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi final with both legs being played at Old Trafford and the Etihad respectively. Given the win against City in their previous encounter, United will be confident going into the game and will look to dismantle City once again.

Imad – 19/12/19

Manchester United’s recent 1-1 draw against Everton has seen them drop to sixth in the league table with 25 points respectively. On a good run of form these past run of games, United were unable to breakdown the resurgent Everton as Duncan Ferguson is yet to lose a game with the toffees.

The first goal had been scored by Everton in the 36′ minute with an own goal by Lindelof. De Gea’s slight touch from Baines’ corner saw Lindelof on the wrong end of the cross as the ball fumbled its way in. United wanted the goal ruled since Calvert Lewin roughed up De Gea who did not manage to get a hand to it. Nonetheless, VAR gave its verdict and the goal was given. Ahhh VAR. Halftime: Manchester United 0-1 Everton.

Second half saw United start on the front foot as they created chance after chance, trying endlessly looking for an equaliser. However, it did not manage to come until the 77′ minute where Daniel James cut in and laid it off to Greenwood who scored, picking out the bottom corner from 18 yards out. The young prodigy strikes again. Although, this had been the final goal of the game and the game seemingly ended in a stalemate 1-1 draw.

United had been great in the second half, showing fight and charisma to get back into the game. However, their main problem this season round has been consistency. Losing to the likes of Crystal Palace at home and drawing with Southampton, Aston Villa, Sheffield and now Everton, has seen this young United side to be inconsistent.

Some may even point out that this team is the Robin Hood of the EPL, as they have taken points from the top sides, only to give it back to the bottom sides. An unbeatable run against the top six is a great achievement, no doubt, but United will need to learn to breakdown and conquer such teams like Everton, who sit back and are compact in their defenses. Such is a skill Liverpool have answered this whole season, coming with 16 wins and 1 draw throughout the Premier League campaign, up until now. Maybe a few transfers in the January transfer window may do the trick for United with the likes of Haaland, Sancho and Mandzukic being rumoured to sign for United. Who knows? We’ll see in the next few weeks,

Imad – 16/12/19

Manchester United hosted AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford last Friday. They continued on with their great run of form against AZ Alkmaar with a thumping 4-0 win at home with a young, inexperienced side. The win against City the past week gave Ole confidence that his side is capable of much more and it had been shown in the Europa League tie against the strong Eredevisie side.

The first half had been a drag and slow with United staying back and preventing any opportunities created by AZ Alkmaar. The first half finished with a 0-0 deficit.

Four minutes into the second half, the young prodigy Mason Greenwood had been put on by Ole to cause havoc. Eight minutes into the second half, Ashley Young belted a ball crossed in by Mata into the roof of the net as United broke the nil-nil deficit. Just 5 minutes later, Greenwood scored with his left boot, striking it from outside the box. Another 4 minutes later, Greenwood ran into the box and was caught in a tackle by one of the AZ Alkmaar’s defenders and brought to the floor. The ref gave it a pen and Mata scored in the 62′ minute.

The misery did not end there for AZ Alkmaar though, Matic played a ball to Mata in midfield who played a through ball to Greenwood. Greenwood holding possession, cut inside with from the right and scored with his left foot as he then wheeled to celebrate his brace. United scored 4 goals in quick succession and broke down AZ Alkmaar’s defense with ease.

It is important to note that AZ Alkmaar have only conceded 8 goals throughout the period of this season in the Eredevisie and United scored 4 in 11 minutes. Solidifying their position as league leaders, United will look forward to the UEL Draw and their opponent for the round of 32.

Greenwood already has more goals (6) than some of United’s biggest signings in recent years, along with the likes of Alexis Sanchez (5), Memphis Depay (5), Radamel Falcao (4) and of course, Angel Di Maria (3). A young prodigy from the academy, there will be questions asked if his form continues whether he deserves a starting place or not.

Imad – 16/12/19

Aggressive, entertaining, merciless. Just a few words to describe Manchester United’s performance against Manchester City in City’s backyard. Albeit their imperative win against Mourinho’s Tottenham, there were still signs of dubiousness with the United supporters along with the media as City had been favourites to win the game. City looked to close the gap at the top of the table, as they went into the derby with 14 points off league leaders Liverpool. United however, understood that a win here would move them up to fifth and will surely give them a fighting chance for the top 4.

United started off strong, forcing Ederson to action from early. He pulled off three crucial saves, denying United’s attackers with every shot they had in the ecstatic opening to the derby.

The drama begun when Rashford was seemingly brought down inside the box by Bernardo Silva to which Anthony Taylor saw no cause to blow for a foul but with the VAR check, his decision had been overturned in United’s favour as United received a penalty. Rashford stepped up to take the penalty. He looked serene as he placed the ball in the bottom right corner, sending Ederson the wrong way. Who knew United will be leading at the Etihad 1-0?

With the game in United’s favour and the momentum in United’s way, their counter attack with Lingard, Rashford, Martial and James looked unstoppable creating chance after chance and proving to be dangerous for the City defenders. City’s continuous pressing and possession of the ball signified their style of play, however, it was not long after the first goal that United broke down City’s play and developed their counter attack. Just six minutes after the first goal, James laid the ball off to Martial who burst inside and struck his shot with the weaker foot, trailing the ball passed Ederson near post, doubling United’s lead.

Pin-drop silence at the Etihad. None of the City fans expected this from United considering the critics had them as ‘relegation battlers’. United kept in control of the game, through their attack and defense. Their compact defense pressured City as they had been unable to break it down.

City scored a late consolation goal with Otamendi’s header from a corner. United had provided a wonder and a stellar performance. Solskjaer had did it again. Proving again why he is capable of the Manchester United job. Beating Tottenham and Manchester City in the same week saw his team go into the top 5 after a miserable start to the season. United will be looking to continue on with this momentum into their next game as they host Everton on Sunday night. Until then, it is party time for the red side of Manchester (which is all of Manchester) as Manchester is proclaimed, red!

Imad – 08/12/19

Preview

The Manchester derby. Ahhh finally, the game we have been waiting for this whole season. Will Manchester be red or will it be blue tomorrow? United and City will play their first derby against each other this season as both teams will look to come out as winners.

Both City and United have had shaky starts this season as City are 11 points behind their title contenders Liverpool while Manchester United continue to battle it out to segment their position in the top 4. Both teams will be going head to head to pull out the win as City will like to reduce the points gap between Liverpool while United would like to develop some form and win a run of games to compete for the top 4.

As Ole wants City to be ‘arrogant and confident’ in the derby, he has had a good run of form against the top 6 this season, maintaining no losses with two wins against Chelsea, a win against Tottenham and a draw against Liverpool and Arsenal at Old Trafford. However, this game will be at the Etihad, proving to be more of a challenge for Ole as he sets up his team tactically on how to counter City’s press and possession of the ball.

Rashford’s recent form has meant that United have a chance as he never fails to epitomize himself against the top 6 scoring 16 goals. Being his best season so far in terms of goals, Ole has played through his strengths in the past weeks as he cuts in from the left and shoots. He will look to use his pace against City’s ‘formidable’ defense with the likes of Fernandinho and Stones being unable to keep up with his speed.

Even though Pogba is a massive doubt for the game along with Martial, Manchester United have proved that they can beat teams without the likes of the French duo and will certainly be looking towards breaking down City tomorrow. United should keep their formation and players the same against City, however a change to 3-5-2 can break down City’s flow in attack and find spaces in their defense as evident through Wolves playing City previously this season.

Will Rashford come out on top against City’s defense or will City hustle their way through United? Only time can tell this tale as we cannot predict a thing during derbies. United for the win? Definitely!

Imad – 07/12/19

Tottenham traveled to Manchester this Wednesday night to play Manchester United for their 15th game of the season. With Manchester United coming off with two draws in their past two games in the premier league, they looked for a win and a hefty performance before the Manchester derby.

The inclusion of Scott McTominay and Lingard in the midfield provided a stronger setup for United. Ashley Young was also chosen as the left back as he looked to return to form. United started off strong being the dominating team for the first 30-35 minutes as Rashford’s strike in the 6′ minute put United on the pedal. Although, the defense stumbled towards halftime as Dele Ali’s strike for Tottenham equalised the scoreline.

The second half had also been a one sided game, as United were given a penalty from Sissoko’s tackle on Rashford in the box. Cool, calm and collected, Rashford scored to give United the lead and the winning scoreline of the game, 2-1.

United had finally secured a win in however many games with the likes of Rashford, Fred, McTominay and Lindelof stepping up for the game and the challenge against Mourinho’s Tottenham. Some players proved their worth against Mourinho as per their performance. Looking confident, United will look towards the Manchester derby this weekend against City. A strong performance at the Etihad could prove vital for United’s campaign throughout the season.

Imad – 07/12/19

Manchester United hosted Aston Villa at Old Trafford on the 1st of December. Speculations over Ole being sacked as Manchester United’s manager were being raised as questions were being asked off his recent performances. With the current sacking of Unai Emery at Arsenal, some Manchester United were left to speculate whether United’s board should do the same.

The game was stale since the beginning as United conceded an early goal to Aston Villa as Jack Grealish scored for them. Lack of creativity through the midfield along with bad finishing cost United the first half, although a beautiful cross from Perreira saw Rashford header it towards the goal, scoring a late equaliser for the team.

Having had a disappointed draw against Sheffield just the week before, Ole would have liked for a more attacking approach in the second half with United going for a winner. In the 62′ minute, a well worked corner found Fred as he crossed the ball into the box only to be scored by a thumping header from Lindelof. Was this finally a Premier League win for United? Could this be a run of form which would allow United to embed themselves in the top 4? Will this be the be the game that all speculations end and Ole is finally the ‘permanent’ manager of Manchester United Football Club? No, as Tyrone Mings scores the equaliser just two minutes after Manchester United score their apparent ‘winner’.

With another disappointing performance, the United board must be considering the next possible managers who could be appointed. The recent firing of Tottenham’s boss; Mauricio Pochettino, United will certainly be interested as seeing him as the head coach. Ole may be at the wheel, but driving on the wrong side of the road will eventually lead a vehicle to crash and break down. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not Ole out, but with the way the past few performances have gone, along with the fact that there are two big league games ahead for United (Tottenham and Manchester City), these results may decide Ole’s destiny. Who knows at this point, although the United fans are certainly fed up and want more!

Imad 04.12.19