United Continues to Struggle- After Draw Against Burnley & Southhampton
The Red Devil’s lack of identity lead to more dropped points. United have dropped four points in the last week after a 1-1 draw to Burnley away and another draw of the same score against Southhampton at the weekend.
Failure to Strengthen Top Four Push
Interim Coach Ralf Rangnick has struggled to motivate the United players to play pressing football for 90 minutes. Even though the Red Devils had scored first in each of the last two league games, it has been the second half where United has looked lethargic and undisciplined.
To be honest, I don’t know if we are not fit enough in order to play that way because, as you said, I came in the middle of the season,’ said Rangnick.
With United sitting at fifth, they are currently a point behind West Ham United. In what was supposed to be a great opportunity for the red part of Manchester to strengthen their position in top four race, their form continues to digress.
FA Cup Exit for United in Penalties
Middlesborough shocked the Reds at Old Trafford on February 4th, in a Friday Night Horror Show for Rangnick. United lost in the Fourth Round FA Cup tie by penalties. Middlesborough put 8 past Dean Henderson and it came down to the 19 year-old Anthony Elanga who missed the penalty in his first PK shootout.
A loss that no one can put on the young star Elanga because the game should have never got to penalties.
United lead early again when Jadon Sancho scored his first goal at Old Trafford, but after 90 minutes the score was 1-1. United dominated the Lions with 71% possession and more than triple the amount of shots, shots on targets and passes.
In what was really a disastrous night for the club, they now bow out of another trophy opportunity in pre mature fashion. This now puts the Red Devils in a tough spot because they may not get a trophy in yet another season. They still have a chance in the Champions League, but are not favored or likened to win the competition due to the team’s stagnant performances and growth.
Maguire, Ronaldo and Rashford Form Dip
In what has been a field week for Manchester United supporters, they bring the heat on social media to some of the team’s biggest stars. Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford have been subject to criticism for recent play.
Some fans on Twitter have welcomed the idea of stripping Maguire’s captaincy due to poor performance and change of coaches. Rangnick has reassured the English International that he has no reason to strip or drop the centre-back. Rangnick said that Maguire, like many others in the squad, need to just “play better”.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford have also struggled as of late. Ronaldo missed a penalty shot against Middlesborough in the early exit. He has also failed to score regularly in the last handful of Premier League matches. The dip of form has been concerning to many, as the Global Icon recently turned 37 and is what is appearing to be his first real dip of form for the club that made him famous.
Marcus Rashford has not looked like himself all season and with the emergence of Elanga and Sancho, his regular time in the starting XI may dip.
Looking Ahead
Top Four is still a realistic opportunity for the squad and with plenty of matches to come, United can focus on the league as well as the European trophy. Jadon Sancho has scored two in the last three, as what may be one of the only positives in the last month for the club.
Next up for Manchester United is a league game against Brighton on Tuesday the 15th of February. They face Leeds, their old school rival on Sunday. Then the biggest game of the season so far, next Wednesday (Feb. 23rd) in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League tournament. Coming to Manchester will be Atletico Madrid, who should be a favorable matchup.
United still hoping to turn things around with a smaller squad. The good news, things can only get better for the club.
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