Manchester United currently find themselves in third position, only a point adrift of second-placed Arsenal, in the Premier League. The Red Devils are on a good run of form and have won their last five games since their 2-1 loss to Swansea City at The Liberty Stadium. United have picked up impressive victories over Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool – their main rivals for a top four finish. LVG seems to have found the right system for his team – a feat David Moyes never achieved. What are the differences between the Manchester United of now and last season?
Manchester United: This Time Last Year
MARCH (2014)
The Red Devils entered March on the back of an embarrassing defeat to Olympiakos in the first leg of their Last 16 tie against the Greek side. Such was their performance that it was described as their worst performance in their worst season in the Premier League era by pundits and fans. They struggled to fashion any chance in that game and had the daunting task of coming up against an in-form Liverpool and champions elect Manchester City in March.
The Red Devils picked up an impressive 3-0 victory over West Brom in their first game in March at the Hawthorns. United’s next game was against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, where David Moyes’ team were battered in every department and conceded three penalties in the process. Skipper Steven Gerrard converted two of them, with his third attempt striking the post. Liverpool were deserved winners and won that tie 3-0.
United returned to winning ways three days later when they beat Olympiakos by the same score-line, with Robin van Persie scoring a hat-trick, albeit picking up an injury, to send the Red Devils through to the next round. Their good fortune continued in the Premier League in their next fixture where they beat West Ham 2-0 with Wayne Rooney scoring from close to the halfway line.
Up next, the Manchester derby. United welcomed their city rivals at Old Trafford, seeking to avenge the 4-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Citizens earlier on in the season. The Red Devils couldn’t cope with the quality and pace of City and were beaten by 3-0. Following the defeat to Manchester City, some fans were unhappy with the team’s performance and made it clear in their next game against Aston Villa. A banner with the inscription ‘Wrong One – Moyes Out’ flew over Old Trafford when United hosted the Villains. A brace from Wayne Rooney helped Man United on their way to a 4-1 victory to finish off March.
APRIL (2014)
On the first day of April, Manchester United squared off against then defending champions Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. United created the better opportunities in an enthralling 1-1 draw with the Germans with Bastian Schweinsteiger seeing red in the dying embers of the game. It was no April Fools’ joke; the Reds put up a spirited performance and were unlucky in front of goal with Danny Welbeck coming in for much criticism after the game.
Manchester United continued their impressive run against Newcastle United at St. James Park, where the Red Devils beat The Magpies 4-0. However, their luck was set to run out and in their return leg against Bayern at the Allianz Arena Manchester United came up short despite giving a good account of themselves. The gulf in class showed and Bayern triumphed with a 3-1 win.
Their next game was against David Moyes’ former employers, Everton, which happened to be the Scot’s last game at the club. Everton completed the double over United with a 2-0 win amidst dressing room unrest; players such as Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, player-coach Ryan Giggs were all rumoured not to be happy with the Moyes’ style of coaching.
Manchester United were seventh in the league with 57 points after 34 games. Club legend Ryan Giggs was appointed interim manager for United’s last four games where he won impressively against Norwich and Hull and lost to Sunderland at home. Manchester United ended their season with a 1-1 draw against Southampton at St. Mary’s.
Final Position: 7th, 64pts
MARCH (2015)
Following a comfortable victory against Sunderland in their last fixture in February, United played against Newcastle United in their first game in March. The Red Devils got all three points thanks to Tim Krul’s horror clearance which fell to the rejuvenated Ashley Young. The winger made no mistake and punished Newcastle.
The Red Devils were excused from Premier League duties and hosted Arsenal in an FA Cup quarter-final clash. Arsenal were the better side and deserved 2-1 winners on the night – Danny Welbeck with the winner. United’s next fixture was against a red ‘Hot-Spurs’ led by Harry Kane. The Reds answered their critics with a fine display and beat Spurs 3-0. They continued their unbeaten run against Liverpool who were in a good vein of form themselves. However, Louis van Gaal ensured there was no repeat of last year’s embarrassment with United completing the double over their rivals with a 2-1 victory.
APRIL (2015)
The Red Devils have begun April just as they ended March, beating Aston Villa comfortably 3-1. The Red Devils host Man City next before they take on league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Reds are only second to Arsenal in the 2015 form table and will look to continue their winning streak against the Citizens. United’s final game in April is at Goodison Park against Everton who have won their last three games. Around that time last year, David Moyes had learnt of his sack. A year later, Manchester United find themselves in third position (62pts) and with an outside chance of winning the league.
