There aren’t many sides in the Premier League who can afford to not play their best football, yet still sit 2nd place in the table, remain undefeated and qualify for the next phase of the Champions League with a game to spare and without conceding a goal. Manchester United however are doing just that.
Despite drawing 6 out of their 7 away games so far this season, United find themselves level on points with leaders Chelsea; whether this is down to United being cautious and setting themselves up not to lose or simply taking advantage of Chelsea’s indifferent form of late is down to interpretation. Whichever it is, Sir Alex Ferguson is working his magic once again; and one thing that’s for sure is United can never be written off in any game or any title race.
The Red Devil’s have had to come from behind in 3 of their away games so far this season to earn valuable points that have kept them in touch with the leaders. This fight and tenacity has been installed by Ferguson in every player that he has bought in throughout his 24 year tenure to date. Any of you remember the 1998-99 season, most notably United’s games against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final and the notorious Champions League final against Bayern Munich?
This season United have had to cope with several injuries to key players which has seen them miss a large chunk of the season to date. You are used to seeing household names wearing Manchester United Shirts week in, week out, but that hasn’t always been the case this year.
Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia & Ryan Giggs have been the main absentees and most other teams in England would really be struggling if they were without that array of talent; but not Manchester United.
The likes of Ji-Sung Park & Javier Hernandez have come into the side and slotted in like first team regulars. This just goes to show the strength in depth that this United team has and whatever side Sir Alex chooses to send out on to that pitch will perform and are capable of beating anyone in the Premier League.
With qualification from the Champions League assured after last nights victory at Ibrox and Wayne Rooney appearing to be back to full fitness United can seemingly only go from strength to strength.
Of course United will be up there challenging by the end of the season, but can they go on and regain the Premier League title again? If they can overcome what is potentially a difficult Christmas period, then they will run Chelsea to the wire; and come the end of the season I wouldn’t bet against Manchester United being champions of England once again.
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