Manchester United supporters are confident of their side finishing back in a Champions League place come May, with new manager Louis Van Gaal having currently led the Red Devils to 4th after 21 games.
The style of play has been a complete contrast to 2013/14, but results have largely evened themselves out despite the managerial shake-up, let alone the large outlay in the summer to sign Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao.
United’s points tally this season is identical to predecessor David Moyes’ first 21 league games in the last campaign, so is it underwhelming competition that has seen the Red Devils in a higher position?
This time last season, Manchester United had 37 points from 21 league games – like this campaign – but were sitting in 7th place, and five points adrift of a Champions League place. This season, they are one point ahead of 5th.
In 2013/14, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton were all in the top-six of the Premier League. This campaign, the aforementioned trio are 5th and below in the table. The entire top-five had more than 40 points at this stage in the previous season, compared to the two sides now.
So United are certainly fortunate that their direct competition for a top-four place have been inconsistent because they have won less than half of their league games so far. Perception couldn’t be more different from the Van Gaal era than the Moyes reign. This season, injuries and transition are the argument for United’s inconsistent showings, but Moyes was the figurehead of criticism in the last campaign.
Manchester United have showcased much more of an attacking flair under the Dutch boss, keeping more possession and allowing the forward players freedom of movement and expression going forward. But they still are dropping point s too readily, and are currently enduring a three game winless run. The difference has been United wining the big games – Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Southampton, as the Red Devils previously struggled against elite opposition.
Again, it can be argued that Van Gaal isn’t facing the same strength of sides Moyes came up against last season – bar Southampton from the list – which has also played a factor. Arsenal and Everton have lost 14 games between them this season, compared to the 5 this time round.
So is it a low calibre of competition that has been the reason for Manchester United’s top-four place in the Premier League?
