Manchester United seems to be progressing only in a downward spiral as each day passes by. The fans will definitely not be pleased if City manage to get Pep Guardiola and, despite their blip at Newcastle, Liverpool rise up from the ashes and progress under Jürgen Klopp while the style of play at Old Trafford remains underwhelming, to say the very least.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended his approach to the game after the Red Devils were held to a 0-0 draw with West Ham United at Old Trafford on Saturday. The goalless draw was United’s fifth at home this season, and boos could be heard at the final whistle.
The Red Devils have accrued just 20 goals in 15 Premier League outings this season and have drawn seven of their last 10 games—five of which ended 0-0—so the frustration of even the most Old Trafford faithful, is perfectly justified.
United are paying for allowing a mass exodus of attacking players in the summer—the likes of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez were all shown the exit door—while Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay were the replacements.
Martial has been in strong form this season, but at just 20 years old, he cannot be expected to carry the team, while captain Wayne Rooney has been thoroughly disappointing and would likely have added little had he been on the field.
United remain just three points off first place, but if the club are to maintain their title challenge, a solid forward addition must be made in January.
Also, when it comes to the match against West Ham particularly, Darmian is a capable left-back and he got forward with intent but almost every time he overlapped Jesse Lingard he was left in a position of considerable weakness where Blind would be far more comfortable. Meanwhile on the other flank McNair never looked a natural right-back. This United team don’t put a great deal of crosses in to the box but with Marouane Fellaini included they surely should have played to that strength. Van Gaal’s selection in defence certainly didn’t help matters.
Something doesn’t feel right about the modern United and it would be understandable if their supporters feel slightly unsettled about the latest Pep Guardiola news and, specifically, the growing acceptance inside Old Trafford that the Bayern Munich coach, formerly responsible for producing football of butterfly-beauty at Barcelona, is likely to pitch up elsewhere for his next assignment – and, quite possibly, at Manchester City.
Ultimately, majority of the fans feel that it is time for Louis van Gaal to leave the United camp, and if he still fails to make any remarkable impact after spending so much money, then maybe it is time for the Dutchman to make his exit.
