Manchester United have a chance to step on the gas after a positive result against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend. The Red Devils are obliged to continue to achieve perfect points if they want to be on the path to winning the Premier League.
Man Utd has shown it has the capacity to be champions this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s lads turned sharp criticism at the start of the season into a sweet record so far.
Man Utd is navigating the 2020/2021 season like a mediocre team. They were totally not taken into account, let alone the favorites to win.
Just look at the initial six Premier League games this season, they have lost three times, won two and drawn one.
Starting the first match with a defeat to Crystal Palace 1-3 at Old Trafford. Then won 3-2 against Brighton and Hove Albion. But back badly at Old Trafford when Tottenham Hotspur was overhauled 1-6.
Then they again won 4-1 over Newcastle United before drawing 0-0 with Chelsea. Furthermore, Bruno Fernandes et al again lost at Old Trafford 0-1 at the hands of Arsenal.
The bad results are more complete with their performance in the Champions League. In the end they failed to qualify and were thrown into the Europa League.
But slowly but surely, Solskjaer seemed to have found a potion for his men. Since losing to Arsenal, they have had a positive trend in the Premier League.
It is recorded that Man Utd has played 12 matches since the defeat to the Gunners. The results were extraordinary. They have never lost, the details are nine wins and three draws.
The last positive result was achieved when holding Liverpool to a draw on Sunday (17/1). Even though it’s only one point, it’s enough to secure Man Utd at the top of the standings until week 18.
At least they succeeded in making Liverpool drop to fourth. Even though the Reds are the favorites to win because their status is the defending champion.
Therefore, the Red Devils need to hit the gas pedal deeply in the following matches. They must not slip, especially when they meet small teams like Fulham or Sheffield United who will face until the end of this month.
On paper, both teams should be manageable. Judging by the squad, Man Utd should have won six points from these two matches to keep away from being chased by rivals.
If they slip, like a draw or even lose, it’s not impossible that they can be overtaken by Manchester City. Especially now that Leicester City are officially in the top rank after the victory over Chelsea, Wednesday (20/1).
Man Utd clearly has to be vigilant because Man City is also starting to find its form of play by always achieving perfect results in the last five matches. The Citizens will face Aston Villa and West Bromwich who are also on paper they can beat.
This means that if Man Utd slips and Man City is complete in the two matches, then the top of the standings can be won by Josep Guardila’s tea.
Meanwhile, Leicester after overthrowing Chelsea will meet Everton.
