Chaotic, frantic, and demonstrating a Jekyll-and-Hyde persona befitting a side that finished 15th last season, that is the Manchester United we see today.
So much of this behaviour was on show during Monday evening’s eight-goal spectacle against Bournemouth, with a shellshocked Old Trafford struggling to keep up with the back-and-forth encounter.
Understandably, frustration is rampant amongst the fanbase, with much of it warranted; However, the underlying metrics highlight some green shoots within this group, even though plenty refuse to accept it.
Ruben Amorim has his critics, and then some, but the Portuguese tactician was the first to acknowledge another two points dropped after a memorable 4-4 draw.
Despite controlling the vast majority of the opening half, his side returned to the dressing room only a goal to the good. That in itself is a common occurrence this season.
The result leaves United sixth in the Premier League, two points outside the Champions League places and riding the wave of only one defeat in the previous 10 domestic outings.
However, despite the weekly promise of a formidable attacking contingent, defensive frailties are concerning, and a fragile mindset appears to be the architect of its regular capitulation.
Manchester United move to within two points of Champions League football
For the fifth time this season, Amorim witnessed his side surrender a Premier League advantage, underlining the obvious issues within a group attempting to rekindle a sense of self.
There was much to like about the performance, from the attacking transitions to the fluid interchange and the manager’s willingness to introduce positive substitutions when altering his much-maligned strategy.
Furthermore, the grit and never-say-die mentality in the dressing room is evident, typified by Bruno Fernandes’s utterly passionate response after levelling the game for a third time on the evening.
But the ease with which a stacked defensive line appears to crumble is perplexing, particularly when so much of the focus within this setup is placed on three central defenders.
Only Erling Haaland and Manchester City (38) have scored more than United’s 30 this campaign. Worryingly, only six sides have either equalled or conceded more than the Reds’ 26, with four of those occupying the bottom positions.
Many will point a finger towards the midfield pairing of Bruno and Casemiro as the fundamental issue here. While there is plenty of reason to question the duo, that should not alleviate the backline of individual errors.
Whether targeting an unwillingness to allow Kobbie Mainoo more game time or deviating from a tried-and-tested tactical philosophy, Amorim has become accustomed to a daily agenda in England.
Still, Monday may signal a slight shift toward meeting supporter demands.
The sight of a ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’ shirt by his half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames was ill-advised. But a 60th-minute introduction returned a promising cameo, with plenty of energy and reason for further minutes.
Kobbie’s performance shaped a distinguished 4-2-4, showcasing Old Trafford’s attacking traditions with active wing play and plenty of bodies in the final third.
Whether this brand of football is sustainable is unclear. However, nobody can question Ruben’s in-game alterations or desire to grab the tie by the scruff of the neck.
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad will now join Noussair Mazraoui for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, providing a selection dilemma for Amorim in their absence.
Although this comes as no surprise, the consequences of their international commitments are yet to be determined.
Regardless, Monday’s manic outing is in the history books, and focus immediately shifts to a challenging trip to face high-flying Aston Villa on Sunday, December 21.
Are we witnessing perfection at the Theatre of Dreams? No, we are not. Is it frustrating, bizarre and often unnerving? Yes, unfortunately, it is.
But this side finished 15th last season, and is now within a win of Champions League football. Would you have taken that before a ball was kicked in August?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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