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Manchester United is certainly one of the greatest teams in England’s history. However, will they remain the best given the disastrous manner in which they have been playing off-late? Ever since Sir Alex left, United are nothing more than a shadow of what the Reds once were. A club which boasts of legends like Sir Bobby Charlton, Wayne Rooney, George Best, and Eric Cantona has become a club where top players like Alexis Sanchez are earning a ridiculous amount of money and while not putting in the performances that are expected from them. Whatever happened to the once-great aura of the Red Devils?
The appointment of Jose Mourinho was supposed to be what would revive them, but so far, there has been nothing but disappointment. He did win them trophies, but the Premier League and Champions League both appear to be out of reach. Manchester United are a club that should be one of the favorites to win the EPL, and a club most European teams hope to avoid in the UEFA Champions League.
In this article, we look into 5 things Manchester United should do to get back to their glory days.
#1 It’s time for a New Manager:
While there is no doubt Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world, his tenure hasn’t been what he promised it to be. In fact, it has been nowhere near the expectations of most fans. Moreover, Manchester United’s criticism is not limited to the results, it extends deep into the mentality and the playing style of the players. These two factors are what Mourinho is supposed to improve, and has clearly failed to do that. It certainly isn’t entirely his fault as the board has failed to sign his transfer targets as well.
Mourinho’s tactics aren’t working for United, and it’s time they bid him adieu. They can’t afford results like getting dismantled 0-3 in front of their own fans again and become just another average club. There are quality managers like Zinedine Zidane, Antonio Conte and Jorge Sampoali available on the market, who could start a positive change at Manchester United.
A new mentality and a change of tactics may be exactly what the Reds need to start the journey of rebuilding their glory. This is only possible if a new manager with a different outlook towards the game is given charge of the team.
#2 Sort out the back-line:
Not too long ago, Manchester United had a defence which consisted of players like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, making it insanely hard to breach. Currently, players like Smalling and Lindelöf haven't been able to contribute the same way to the defence. The statistics are misleading - Manchester United concede fewer goals, not because of a good defence, it’s because their whole style is defensive, with almost all the players playing in their own half to defend.
Yet again, Manchester United have failed to sign a quality centre-back. The results show that they have already suffered from it, letting in 3 goals in each of the 2 matches they have lost already. Manchester United should look to sign a good centre-back in the winter transfer window, and mentor Bailly into unlocking his true potential. Plus, if allowed to develop fully, Luke Shaw could be a great left back in the future.
If Manchester United want to be the best again, they should start relying on their defence to concede fewer goals, and not on a defensive system. It makes them sacrifice the attacking potential, which has caused players like Alexis to be wasted.
#3 Cut off the dead weight:
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This might be a hard one. Manchester United have been absolutely awful in signing players in recent years. More often than not, the players they bring in have failed to perform.
Manchester United should make a bold choice, and cut off the players that are not required, and are basically ‘dead-weight'. This includes players like Alexis Sanchez, Martial, Fellaini, and Lindelöf amongst others.
These players drop poor performances. Moreover, their wages’ amount is put to a waste.
Manchester United should sell these players in the next transfer window and use a mix of new signings and good young players to strengthen their squad.
#4 A playing system which brings out the best in the players:
Looking at the quality of the players the Manchester United attack and midfield possesses, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial, Jese Lingard, Romelo Lukaku, and Marcus Rashford are undeniably amazing talents. However, they have all underperformed. That’s not because of their work ethic or attitude. To prove that, look at the performances of Lukaku, Paul, and Jese. All of them had a really good world cup.
The problem in the team is the defensive mindset Mourinho has instilled in them. They all play in their half and defend for the most part of the game. How is Paul Pogba, a player so good when in possession of the ball, supposed to flourish in such a system? Manchester United should bring in a coach, who is prepared to use tactics which will promote an attacking mindset.
Paul was great for France due to the team’s attacking style. Lukaku was sensational in the attacking game plan of Belgium. Lingard was very comfortable in the England team, looking to create a lot of chances going forward. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford could be put to very good use if allowed to use their trickery and pace for attacking.
#5 Nurture Martial and Marcus:
Anthony Martial was such an exciting prospect. He was supposed to be the next big thing. His movement on the ball wowed football pundits and fans alike.
Marcus Rashford came into the limelight with excellent performances at the start of his career. Playing matches right after giving class tests, he was a teenage sensation.
In a different world, these two would have been absolutely world class. However, they haven't lived up to the hype. Nevertheless, their time is far from over. Both are really young and still have the potential to be world beaters. Since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, Manchester United have brought in players who have the potential to emulate him. So far, no one has done that. Marcus and Anthony are special. A new manager may be able to unlock their potential. If mentored right, both these lads would unleash their talent on the pitch. Manchester United have always looked for the next Ronaldo. If they nurture these lads, they may finally find their next big player.
