Manchester United have only taken two points from the last three games, at a time in the season where the Red Devils could do with finding a good run of form and picking up some points. Despite this, Louis Van Gaal can take a lot of positives to be taken from the last three outings. At times United have looked like a different team all together, they have become a cohesive team, fought more and only conceded three goals, that alone is an achievement. One may even, tentatively, say that they are starting to appear more like the United we’re used to seeing.
One of the main differences in this United side is the passion that is being shown by the team. There is a quicker tempo about the style of play and there is more urgency. The players seem to have a lot more vigour too, we have seen them fighting for and chasing every ball. However the most noticeable difference can be seen in the closing stages of the game. Last season, once United were behind they very rarely recovered points and there was no desire to get back into the match. In contrast, this season, when behind Van Gaal’s men play some of their best football, as shown by the equalisers in ‘Fergie time’ against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea. In addition, despite the result, the Red Devils can be very proud of the valiant display in the last twenty minutes against Manchester City, where the 10 man United where by far the best team and very unlucky not to score. The strong attacking football that’s taking place is great to see and United need to produce more in the coming matches to start working their way up the table.
Another positive that can be taken from the previous matches is the significant improvement at the back. Considering the fact that Chelsea and Manchester City have scored forty six goals collectively in the premier league this season, it can be viewed as an achievement that Van Gaal’s team only conceded two goals, considering some of the performances this season, MK Dons and Leicester to name a few. Plus a slew of fresh transfer news of possible centre backs who could be making their way to Old Trafford come January, things could be looking up,for our makeshift defence.
The sudden emergence of Marouane Fellaini is certainly an additional bonus as three solid appearances have shower that he is able to add some steel to what has been a shaky team, as proven on Sunday when he was able to break down much of the play and proved to be threat upfront as well.
In conclusion, despite results having not gone entirely Louis Van Gaal’s way recently, he does seem to be starting to turn around some of the issues that have plagued him throughout the start of his reign. Although Manchester United are no where near their best yet, there have been glimmers of hope that it is not far off, but there is still a huge task ahead, United are again suffering from injury problems and fave more touch challenges coming up. However there is lots to be positive about, and hopefully, with a good run off form we might see United back challenging before too long.
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