Manchester United were shambolic on Saturday Night. Brentford’s formidable forwards had The Red Devil’s defense making a trip down to hell as Ivan Toney and Yoana Wissa tore them apart with their link-up play. Although the game ended in a draw, the difference in quality was glaring. The Reds have been an anomaly this season. They beat the best team in the league 4-3 and then play like this against mid-table side Brentford? When Erik Ten Hag took over, he promised a proper project, he made grand promises to end eras and put The Reds back on their perch, however as he approaches the end of his second full season, the lack of identity in this Man United team is apparent.
The Facts
Currently, The Red Devils are in 6th place, 8 points behind 5th place Tottenham and 11 points behind 4th place Aston Villa. Their lack of consistency has been glaring. Man United’s attack with 100 million man Antony and Sir Marcus Rashford MBE has scored fewer goals than Luton. They’ve been toothless in front of goal. Captain Bruno Fernandes has been particularly poor. His execution in front of goal seems to have vanished. Whenever the team needs inspiration, all he does is hoof the ball up and hope for the best, the same Bruno Fernandes who was constantly compared to Kevin De Bruyne these past few seasons. United’s scoring struggles have been due to a lack of creativity and a lack of service to young Rasmus Hojlund.
The Bright Side
Although The 3-time European Champions have a lot of stragglers in their side such as Antony who’d be much more effective as a fidget spinner and Anthony Martial who spends more time in the hospital than on the field, there are also a few bright spots in this team. 18 year old Kobbie Mainoo has become a crucial figure in the middle of the park for United. He is mature beyond his years, his composure and ability to beat the press is remarkable. Another beacon of hope is Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentinian has established himself as an integral part of the Red Devil’s lineup. His dribbling and raw pace is reminiscent of a certain Portuguese phenom from days gone by and Garnacho seems to idolize and follow his role model in every way, including his incredible work ethic.
What comes next?
United’s season has been plagued with injuries and inconsistency. If the kings of The Premier League want to be back on their throne, something has to change. This Manchester United Team needs its identity, its soul back. Manchester United Football Club was made on attacking football and burning resolve. Erik Ten Hag has to bring this spirit back if United wants to get anywhere. The Dutch Manager cannot hide behind excuses. United must finish at least in the top 5 to qualify for the Champions League according to the new Uefa Coefficient rule. They also have a shot at winning the FA Cup.
The Conclusion
Erik Ten Hag’s side needs to be perfect from this point onward. Manchester United has to be perfect in this last leg of the season if they want to keep their European hopes alive. Manchester United Football Club belongs at the pinnacle of English Football. Erik Ten Hag has his flaws, he has his failures but right now, he is the man to guide this footballing institution back to the top. Erik Ten Hag said eras come to an end when he joined The Reds, well if he wants to keep his job, he’ll have to ignite an era of his own at this famous football club.
