Manchester United will be heading into new year hoping to overturn their misfortunes from December and ending a record run of eight games without a win. United are currently sixth in the table, nine points behind league leaders Arsenal and defender Chris Smalling believes that they still have time to get their title challenge back on track given that they start the new year with a bang.
Smalling believes that this season has been unpredictable and the competition among teams has picked up more intensity than previous years.
Talking to MUTV ahead of their important clash against Swansea, he said, “It is a crazy league this season and, when you slip up as a team, you look at the scores and see two or three other teams who you’d expect to win slipping up as well.
“It is so competitive amongst the teams in the league, positions are always changing and there aren’t many points between teams. You just need to be consistent and we need to get back to that like we were earlier in the season when we were top.
“With any consistency in this league, you can shoot up the table and create a gap,” he added.
United aiming to close the gap: Smalling
The Red Devils face a busy January with games against Swansea, Newcastle, Liverpool and Southampton in the league. United will have to regain the form that they had at the beginning of the season to try and push their chances in the title race.
“As I say, it wasn’t long ago when we were at the top [of the table].” United had topped the table at the end of September this season. “The league is that close. If you get three wins on the bounce then you can be within touching distance of the lead,” Smalling said.
“Our aim is to get to the end of January and be within touching distance of the top. From there on, anything is possible,” he added.
United will be seeking for a change of fortunes when they start 2016 at home to Swansea today. The recent display against Chelsea has restored a bit of hope to the Old Trafford faithful and they will surely believe that their side can get back in form if they are to beat Swansea. A lot rests on this fixture for United and manager Louis van Gaal with the Red Devils looking to be back among the big boys.
