While this season might be too soon to talk about Manchester United and a Premier League title, there are certainly signs the club is moving in the right direction.
It was the 2012/13 season the last time the Red Devils were champions of England but under Erik ten Hag the club could soon find themselves as serious title challengers once again.
Ten Hag Impact Being Felt
After what was a stuttering start to Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford, the club is starting to settle with the Dutch tactician at the helm. United, who are currently priced at +2500 in the outright football odds to win the Premier League title this season, suffered early defeats at the hands of both Brighton and Brentford.
Added to the disappointing results at the start of his reign, Ten Hag was also having to deal with the sideshow that was Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford. It was clear the former Ajax boss and Ronaldo was not going to see eye to eye and Ten Hag made a big statement by allowing the Portuguese superstar to move on to pastures new.
Coinciding with Ronaldo being phased out at Old Trafford, United started to pick up a positive form on the field. Although Ronaldo was the club’s top goalscorer last season, there were suggestions his presence was hindering the form of others. With Ronaldo moved on, it seems to have allowed other players to flourish and that has helped United become serious top-four contenders this season.
Still Work To Be Done To Catch Frontrunners
While United do appear to be moving in the right direction, there is still some way to go before they can be considered serious title contenders once again. Ten Hag is still working towards putting his stamp on the team, with many of the squad the same as it was under his interim predecessor Ralf Rangnick. New faces are set to arrive in the January transfer window, while it could well be a big summer of investment ahead at Old Trafford.
Rivals Manchester City still appears to be the team to catch, as the Citizens go in search of a third consecutive Premier League title this season. City has recruited well over the years and tied down experienced manager Pep Guardiola to a new contract earlier this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal has emerged as a serious title contender this season after just missing out on a top-four finish last term. Liverpool has been below their high standards in the first half of the campaign but has a top manager in Jürgen Klopp and quality players to eventually rise up the table.
It’s the likes of City, Liverpool, and Arsenal who United must best if they are to get back to the top of the English top flight. There have been shoots of optimism growing at Old Trafford and perhaps it won’t be too long before this giant of world football finds itself back on top once again.
