Manchester United have begun the season in erratic fashion and with zero consistency. One win, one draw and one defeat hints that nobody knows what to expect from the Red Devils. As our season preview suggested, a season of unpredictability lies ahead at Old Trafford.
A Season of No Consistency Ahead for Manchester United
Dropping Poor Points
Every side in the Premier League drops points. However, to get back to where they belong, United need to be consistent and not drop points against teams they should be beating.
After their impressive opening day win over Chelsea, many expected Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to take advantage of that. However, a draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers and an unexpected defeat to Crystal Palace and it feels like they are back to square one. As a result, they will desperate to build a run of form to help them to their target of a Champions League spot.
Zero Consistency Will Not Get Manchester United Champions League Football
The current two best sides in the Premier League, Liverpool and Manchester City, are arguably two of the most consistent sides in the Premier League. They never drop off the pace.
However, Manchester United are now light years behind their rivals, as they do not maintain a standard. They pounced on Chelsea’s collapse during the opening game and looked an exciting side. However, two games later against Crystal Palace, and they looked a sloppy side without any urgency to break down the Palace defence. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were kept at bay for much of the match. As a result, there needs to be a standard set and maintained at Old Trafford, otherwise they will continue to fail as a side.
Moreover, Manchester United also need to maintain form to keep alive their aspirations of returning to the Champions League. Although it is still early in the season, the end goal still needs to be thought about. If Manchester United continue with zero consistency, then they will not reach the Champions League.
Next Five Games
Manchester United face just one of the top six in their next five games, and against an Arsenal side who are not the greatest of travellers, they will be hoping to take three points.
Matchweek four of the Premier League sees them travel to Southampton. They will be looking for three points before the international break. However, the Saints will also be hoping for three points following their win over Brighton & Hove Albion. As a result, it will prove a tougher game than expected at St Mary’s.
What follows the Southampton fixture is two games against sides vying for seventh. Many have tipped Leicester as a side that has the potential to break the top six mould; meanwhile, they have won just one of their three trips to West Ham‘s new stadium.
Then, after their fixture with Arsenal, they travel north to Newcastle United. A fixture they should be winning, but United are just too unpredictable.
Main Photo
