On the back of an unbeaten October that has led to 10 points from a possible 12, we Manchester United fans find ourselves in the unfamiliar position of balancing optimism and realism.
Naturally, with ample pain endured last season, allowing your wildest dreams to play out in your head is more than justified.
Although some would have you believe otherwise, a hard-fought draw at the City Ground maintained our unbeaten momentum, leading to the suggestion that the proverbial storm may have moved on.
Say what you will about this team, but since that momentous victory at Anfield, we have seen an upturn in fortunes on the field.
Senne Lammens has provided an overwhelming air of stability, whilst at the other end, our new-look attack of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko appears to be forming genuine chemistry.
But football is football, and we will succumb to frustration again, so while some return to their daily sensationalism after failing to seal four consecutive wins, it is essential not to get carried away.
A Change in Fortune for the Manchester United faithful
While the narrative of Ruben Amorim’s style and formation continues to dominate mainstream media and social conversations, the Portuguese tactician deserves praise for the tactical adjustments he has made in the last four games.
Luke Shaw continues to close down space between the midfield and defensive line. The perfect passage of play was exemplified against Brighton as his interception led to Casemiro’s goal.
The aforementioned Lammens’ long kick-outs, paired with our desire to win the second ball, continue to bear fruit.
While Amad’s interchange into the 10 position with Mbeumo continues to exploit space in behind the defence, and this, accompanied by the direct play of Cunha, has contributed to our 10 goals in the previous four games.
Matthijs De Ligt has been one of our best players so far this season, playing every minute in the league. With Lisandro Martinez returning to first-team training, the Argentine will be back on the pitch in the near future.
Make no mistake, a defensive pairing of Martinez, De Ligt, and Leny Yoro should help us address our frailties at the back, with only one clean sheet in 10 league games.
However, there is still some discontent among the fanbase. Mainly spurred by the lack of minutes for a certain Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old has been made to fight for his place, with the Carrington product yet to start a league game this season. Where does Mainoo fit in this team? It’s a worrying prospect.
Casemiro has solidified his place, and we witnessed the defensive fragilities exposed by a midfield pivot of Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes against Brighton at Old Trafford.
One of English football’s brightest talents, the midfielder continues to fight for his place amid rumours of frustration. Upon his introduction to the team in 2023, the Stockport technician played without pressure or expectations for his abilities.
With competition building within the squad, albeit healthy, there is now pressure on the young man’s shoulders, as his limited minutes result in fewer opportunities to impress the United management.
As our build-up play improves, the team’s confidence has grown, and although frailties remain, collective resolve was evident in response to falling behind against Forest at the weekend.
Rather than sitting back and inviting pressure or sleepwalking through the final passages, we pushed forward and kept bringing the game to Sean Dyche’s side, resulting in a deserved equaliser before coming close to snatching a winner at the end.
How many times have we seen these players crumble and succumb to mentally weak mentalities?
This is a group that, after an abysmal season last year, has won five of its previous eight games. It’s evident that the belief in the manager is there, and this belief has transcended to the group.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing of the manager has transcended onto the pitch, with Gary Neville speaking about the players’ belief in Amorim.
The faith in the manager has united the club as a whole, eliciting a degree of belief amongst the fanbase that the tough times may have passed and the corner has eventually been turned.
As we take on Thomas Frank’s Spurs at the weekend, a team that has lost three of its previous four home league fixtures, the opportunity to clinch 13 points from a possible 15 is within reach.
How do you feel ahead of our latest Premier League test in London?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials. Feel free to say hello to Jake.
(Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com)
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