After the summer transfer window drew to a close, Manchester United was seen to be title favourites due to the immense talent within their side, however as the season has unfolded, there seems to be no progress from the disappointments of last season. In fact, the Red Devils points per game (PPG) has regressed from 1.7 to 1.5 [Opening 11 games in PL].
What has caused the halt of progression amongst the club?
For starters, we must discuss the opening few games without the return of 36-year-old Veteran Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the opening three games without Ronaldo, Manchester United scored seven goals, with five towards Leeds United. Defensively, they conceded just two. The arrival of Varane then saw United keep their first clean sheet.
Whilst there were some troubling signs, like the Fred own goal vs Southampton, United seemed to have numerous positives with their attacking talent. This was with Jadon Sancho settling and Marcus Rashford rehabbing from his recent shoulder surgery.
Then came the Newcastle game, and Ronaldo being Ronaldo, grabbed a brace on his return to Old Trafford. This game will hold more value later on.
Manchester United after the Newcastle game has been a very scrappy side, conceding last-minute goals to lose the game whilst scoring last-minute goals to win them. There haven't been many games where United have dominated the game throughout and seen out a game successfully.
It's been a nervous affair for Red Devils across the globe.
Some critics and a minority of fans have placed blame on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Others have taken towards Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who admittedly has assisted in questionable lineups and decisions.
For starters, the infamous Fred and Mctominay pivot has remained Ole's favourite. This has caused stress amongst the fanbase as impressive performances from Van De Beek, Pogba, and Matic have warranted Ole to try and use another pivoting duo.
Then, there is the overall playtime of the promising Dutchman previously discussed. The 24-year-old is yet to start a game in the premier league, despite his impressive cameos when given a chance to play off the bench. This has visually annoyed the previous Ballon D'or nominee. And despite gaining muscle in the summer to compete amongst central midfielders in the league, it seems Solskjær is still reluctant on starting him in the Premier League.
English international Harry Maguire has also had his fair share of criticism this season. Due to his costly mistakes in an abundance of games, it seems he and teammate Luke Shaw have almost started to have a euro hangover. The 28 and 26 year-olds have failed to step up when it matters this season, with six of Manchester United's seven total errors leading to goals coming from their side.
These issues are just the present. Several problems for the Red Devils are set to occur in the latter stages of this season and the start of next season. Here's a brief graphic to explain;
As can be seen, Manchester United are set to lose four influential players in Paul Pogba, Edison Cavani, Juan Mata and Jessi Lingard, whilst also losing out on the incredible talent that is Tahith Chong,
With the club regressing so far, it would be unlikely for Paul Pogba to sign a new contract with the club. Juan Mata's departure would be due to him getting on in age. Jesse Lingard and Edison Cavani's reasons for leaving would be due to their decrease in-game time since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, Van De Beek, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
These would be significant losses for Manchester United. The senior players all hold highly substantial value within the changing room whilst also playing influential roles once they're on the pitch, with all four having a fair share of silverware.
For people wanting Ole's heads, they'll have to hold the bad news of that being out of the picture at least until the end of this season. This is because of Manchester United's easier run of games coming up. Ole's reds will most definitely capitalise from their favourable schedule and get back into the top four, giving Ole a relaxed second half of the season with him succeeding the glazers demands of a continental football finish.
As can be seen, Manchester United's fans are in a terrible circumstance, their head coach has peaked as far as he can go in performances, their captain is at fault for over half of their errors leading to a goal, and four influential players are set to leave on a free.
And that is why Manchester United are unlikely to develop in the next six months.
More on this case to follow.
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