Erik ten Hag has refused to label Man Utd as title challengers and January will see if he’s right.
United players celebrate. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United can’t be called title challengers just yet. We’ll soon find out if he’s right or not.
United have been on an excellent run not only since club football resumed but for a number of months now. The recent form stands out as they have shown little ring rust since the World Cup break, winning all four matches without even conceding a goal. It looks even better when a lot of the other top sides have struggled for consistency.
Results have gone United’s way. They’re now in the top four for the first time since March and comfortably so, five points ahead of Tottenham. In fact, they are now only a point behind neighbours Manchester City – who have a game in hand.
Their form stretches far further back than that – to their last meeting with their city rivals. United were humbled once more by the Blues with a 6-3 defeat that flattered them. Yet, since then United have rallied and won 13 of their 16 matches. The aberration of a defeat came against Aston Villa and two draws with Chelsea and second-placed Newcastle.
Unsurprisingly, such consistent form and wobbles from rivals have seen United begin to emerge as unlikely title challengers. It’s a suggestion that Ten Hag has quickly moved to quell the flames of.
“That is a big step, no, we have to go from game to game and get the progress,” he said following Tuesday’s win over Bournemouth. “The belief is growing. That is a good signal, and it is good to have that feeling.
“We have to understand that we have to give every game 100 per cent energy, 100 per cent focus and 100 per cent play as a team, and if you keep that philosophy, it is possible, but you have to go from game to game.
“Don’t get too far ahead, it is January not even half a season. The next game is Everton, we have to focus on that, it is coming quick, enjoy 24 hours and then move on.”
It’s certainly the right move to not inflate expectations so early. Just returning to the Champions League would be a great success given the improvement it would be on United’s worst-ever Premier League finish last term and all the progress that had to be made on and off the pitch.
But Ten Hag has always maintained success will be judged on trophies. United remain in the Carabao Cup, Europa League and FA Cup, but why can’t they be in within a shout of winning the league? It’s a long shot of course and United remain far behind the likes of City and even Arsenal, who are a few years along in their rebuild. But that didn’t stop Leicester.
Whether United can truly be in the race or not will likely be discovered in an absolutely massive January. There are only two Premier League fixtures left to play in a month which could otherwise be dominated by the League Cup but they are matches in which United’s title credentials will be laid bare.
First up, on January 14, City will come to Old Trafford. The defeat to the Blues was the catalyst for United’s turn around and if they can avenge that loss it will show just how far they have come. Pep Guardiola’s side aren’t in as good of form as they were back in October, either.
A week later sees the trip to Arsenal. United did well to become the first team to defeat the Gunners this season and they remain the only side to do so.
Arsenal have remained in good form despite the momentum-halting break and loss of Gabriel Jesus but they did show the first signs of cracking under pressure in their goalless draw with Newcastle.
United might not be favourites in either match but they can certainly defeat both their great rivals within a single week. If they do, Ten Hag might have to change his tune.
Source: dailylifeworld.com
