A new era for Man United or another false dawn?
Okay, it’s harder to claim a new era for the team in red, certainly after a season of finishing 15th and losing in the Europa League final to Spurs, however with that in mind they are still able to attract top players.
With the news of Matheus Cunha signing and the subsequent news of Bryan Mbeumo choosing to join United (once teams agree a fee) is this the start of a new era? Those signings certainly scream out quality, especially Mbeumo, he has real potential to kick on now, but also they are singings that are tailor made for Amorim and his system, rather than in previous years of decay of buying players for the name sake or to sell shirts, no real thought or structure around the singings. With these two players seemingly or almost wrapped up it is glaringly obvious and has been reported that United need and are still on the look out for a striker, goalkeeper and a central midfielder. If and it’s a big IF they can get those positions filled with a similar quality of Cunha and Mbeumo will this be the start of a new era, or will it be more the same, another false dawn for Man U and the delight of opposing fans.
We like to think it’s the former, mainly as a fan surely this shit show has to end at some point, but also there are a couple of clues that make us think this could finally be a turning point. Given the horror show of last season there was certainly positives to be taken, the team is slowly getting used to Amorim’s style of play, with ball retention and dominating territory in games, even the final against spurs itself, to have over 70% possession and dominating the shots on goal stats as a change of the recent history of United who have been conceding shots for fun (we should know, made a bit of money on betting that line). This points to some improvements and strides to be carried into next season.
Next the emergence of the youth which looks very bright, Amad of course has now cemented his spot in the wing back role and looks every bit the player they thought they were signing, Ayden you’re all that I want Heaven looks a real player at the back that suits Amorim’s style, Chido Obi looks to have potential but the jury is still out there, along with Yoro looking like a young Rio, there is young talent there that will only get better.
Lastly, no European football could be a blessing in disguise, don’t be fooled United have money so they won’t miss the revenue from Champions League football too much, they still have the pulling power to sign top players, just look above at Cunha and Mbeumo, and don’t get us started on Bruno the talisman turning down big money offers to stay at United and help turn this around. Finally they can concentrate fully on the league and domestic cups, a strong league campaign is essential next season, that is the acid test on how good a team is, the consistency over the course of the season, the table doesn’t lie, a top 4 finish is a minimum.
Time will tell though there is optimism around Old Trafford even off the back of one of their worst ever seasons, could this be the start of a new era?
Man Utd top 4 finish 5/1 is a bet we like for the coming season, big odds there but for a top 4 finish.