Manchester United got their top four hopes back alive after Arsenal held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday.
From a Manchester United perspective, it was a one point shared in between all the teams. Namely Arsenal, Manchester City and United.
What a way to enter your last three matches of the season, knowing your destiny lies in your hands.
United can still end up in the Champions League and as FA Cup winners. That if they can win their remaining three matches. As nothing is guaranteed at this moment.
The debate would get hotter with time, especially if United achieve their dual remaining ambitions this season.
Should United stick with Van Gaal?
Redlyunited looks at three reasons, United should part ways with the Dutchman.
1. Van Gaal's philosophy isn't working
When he arrived at United, fans expected to see the quick, pacey, beautiful attacking football that epitomized his Dutch team at the World Cup.
But at United, Van Gaal seem to prefer an over conservative, possessive, slow attacking and rigid pattern of football. And has been dogmatic about his approach.
He's had two seasons at United, and fans can't convincingly say the team is moving forward.
He has spent over £200m for transfer in the last two seasons, and fans are yet to feel any meaningful impact.
The brand of football isn't attractive, even against well lesser sides, the team can't attack with swag.
United has lost it's fear factor and it's obvious Van Gaal's philosophy isn't working.
For the stats, United in 5th place have scored 44 goals in 36 league games, same as Bournemouth in 16 position that have only played one more game than United.
Van Gaal's men have scored the second lowest number of goals among to top 10 teams in the League, with only Stoke City(39) in 9th scoring less.
It must be said that Everton, 12th on the table have scored more goals than United.
United have the second best defensive record in the League.
A club of United's standard should be doing much better than that on the attacking front. And in his second season at United, there is no sign of improvement.
2. Rival clubs are changing and seemingly moving forward
Yes, not every change is a positive one, but it will be difficult to argue that the managerial changes at Liverpool, Chelsea and City aren't positive ones.
The steady rise of Tottenham and the unpredictability of Leicester City next season means United can't afford to remain static, with this same philosophy the team has experienced over the last two seasons.
Liverpool have visibly improved since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp and more will be expected of his team next season.
Pep Guardiola's arrival at City will also lift the team without doubts, and same will most likely happen at Chelsea with Conte's arrival.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal and just maybe Leicester will be in the running for the top four next season, and ultimately for the League.
At this stage, though early, it can't be said that United that United will favourably contend for the title next season.
United better flow with the wind of change blowing by replacing Van Gaal.
3. Poor results and branding on the field will on the long run affect the team's finances
Manchester United have enjoyed great financial success over time, but with results and on field performance nosediving, it's only a matter of time before the club's finances begin to feel the impact.
Hopefully United will make the top four, which would definitely generate more money for the club, but if United don't, Ed. Woodward and co. knows what it will cost the team financially.
United have not won the League in three seasons, and making the top four is getting more difficult. Something must be done to prevent the downward trend.
Manchester United is a football club and a business, but in all honesty, the footballing success determines how successful the business would be.
No comments:
Post a Comment