Man Utd just got done with their toughest run of games so far in this early season. A run of games that people looked at nervously when Man Utd went into the last international break.
Two wins, three losses and a draw, including two dismal performances against rivals is how United did and it has taken the air out of a room that was full of optimism after the good start of the season and the transfers that Man Utd brought in.
The next five are not that easy.
Man Utd’s Next 5
Man Utd return from the international break with a game against relegation threatened Watford. United will be traveling to Watford. The 17th place side has one good win this season against Everton away, they put five goals past the Toffees.
Man Utd should win, but Watford have nine players out on international duty, so they might not get that much of an advantage of being able to have that time to train with most of the first team.
Watford has good fans and could create a decent atmosphere. When they got relegated a couple of seasons ago they beat a Liverpool team at home, that Liverpool team won the league and were undefeated in 44 games in the league.
The next match is against a recent European foe in the Champions League. Villarreal, the team that beat Man Utd in the Europa League Final. Man Utd will continue their travels and head to Spain, both sides are top of their group in the Champions League.
A draw would not be a bad result for Man Utd, they finish the group stage with a home game against Young Boys.
United will have their toughest game after the international break against Chelsea. United will be away again when they face the European Champions and the current top team in the Premier League.
A really tough game for United, a slightly different opponent than the high flying extremely offensive minded sides like Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea are a bit more defensive minded under Thomas Tuchel, but have great attacking players.
United will then host two in-form London clubs, Arsenal and Crystal Palace. Arsenal have now jumped United in the standings and are now fifth.
Arsenal have not lost since August, they got smashed by City. They had a tough start, but they brought in some players at the window and they are looking like they are gelling.
Another team who brought in some players at the window is Palace. Patrick Viera, had some doubts and pundits thought he could be the first manager sacked, but they have been playing some really good football and are gelling too.
Palace beat City a couple of weeks ago, drew with Arsenal, but had them on the ropes most of the game. They beat Tottenham, but everyone is beating Spurs.
Man Utd’s next five are not easy, some really good teams, it will be interesting to see what happens if United do not get the results, especially with the current questions circling the coaching staff.
Do you think the coaching staff will be the same for the next five games?
Norwhich fired their manager after a win. I think they would have fired Ole already if they wanted too. It is a weird situation because of the precedent they set with other managers like Van Gaal and Mourinho.
Ole will stick by his staff too, they all go down together in my opinion. Someone new will want their guys.
Are you Ole out?
Yeah I do agree although I’d love to see McKenna getting a good role below a real top manager. He has potential to go far.
I have heard good things about him, Phelan also under Sir Alex, good coach. I liked Carrick as a player, really underrated. Somethings wrong tactically though. Sometimes in sports a manager or a head coach on the hot seat might switch it up with his staff. The manager is part of the staff too obviously.
I kind of appreciate them for giving Ole a chance, but he hasn’t won anything. It sends mixed messages, because there is suppose to be high standards.
I felt at the time, Chelsea did Frank Lampard dirty, but it worked out for them.
I sometimes wonder with McKenna being so young do the appreciate what he brings?
And I also think the bird are scared to sack him, we all know he needs to go but there is fans that will jump on the band wagon and take Oles side of and when he is sacked and use it against the glazers for sacking a “legend.”
For sure, also if you are a new player coming in and you are world class. You would probably say, “who is this guy?” Maybe not take him seriously. I would like to see him in the lower leagues, get some experience. Maybe more hands on with the youth. The youth teams have been spotty this season. He was a youth coach.
I agree, people will always be unhappy. I think the vast majority of people want him out. It could get as bad as Arsenal when they wanted Wenger out.
Jesus I hope it doesn’t get that bad but I do think you’re right to a certain extent. The only way it will get worse if matches are boycotted for me that’s not an option I’d rather see Old Trafford packed full.
Hahaha they (Arsenal) got pretty crazy over it didn’t they? I think there is a protest this upcoming weekend, specifically for the Glazers. A while before they play again at Old Trafford, but the fans looked dejected while leaving the stadium, saw some vids.
I agree, no boycotts, too many people want to watch a game at Old Trafford for that to happen.
If they somehow muck up Champions League, there is no way the keep Ole, in my opinion.
Realistically, even at home, the games against City and Liverpool were always going to be losses. I thought they would fight harder though.