Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils are four points behind Tottenham’s Champions League place, after Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Brentford, with two games left in hand.
The 20-time English champions also continue to compete in the League Cup, and are set to have an attractive Europa League play-off against Barcelona, as well as enter the third round of the FA Cup against Everton.
This is considered a pivotal season for coach Ten Hag. In which position Man Utd ends the 2022/23 Premier League will play an important role in helping the Dutch coach build confidence and move towards a brighter future.
Man Utd can completely do it.
Manchester United are 11 points behind leaders Arsenal when the season has 24 rounds left. But Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will face the next few months without the services of star striker Gabriel Jesus. This player suffered a knee injury at the 2022 World Cup.
The defending champions Manchester City are likely to pick up pace after the season restarts. And if Pep Guardiola’s army maintains a high level of performance, they are almost impossible to be overthrown.
In fact, Ten Hag’s teachers and students are only 6 points behind the defending champion. With Man Utd, it is important not to focus too much on the opponent. The Old Trafford team needs to try each game to be able to accumulate maximum points.
Success for Ten Hag this season will be a Top 4 spot and a trophy to end a six-year drought. At that time, Man Utd could clearly return to the Champions League front next season.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur seem to be having a hard time maintaining stability. Newcastle United could be a formidable opponent. The sting shows that they can challenge the Big Six with a sublime performance.
However, surely Man City and Arsenal are still two teams for Man Utd to chase.
A long season awaits Man Utd.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford is finally settled but Ten Hag is certain to have plenty to improve in the second half of the season.
If Ten Hag can sign Cody Gakpo next month to replace the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, United are likely to have enough firepower to challenge on all fronts. Not to mention, Anthony Martial also plays well when fit.
Given Casemiro’s growing importance and influence, coupled with the growing understanding between Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen, Man Utd’s midfield promises to be the key to success.
In defense Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez help Man Utd play more firmly. The Red Devils have two full-backs in high form, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw. While Marcus Rashford, Antony or Alejandro Garnacho also have great contributions to the overall achievement.
Therefore, 3rd place and winning a title in the next 6 months are completely within the reach of coach Ten Hag and his students.
Xiao Lam | 22:49 December 26, 2022
