4 Ups And 4 Downs Of United’s 19/20 Season So Far!

In, Out, In, Out shake it all about. No, it’s not the Hokey Cokey it’s United fans views on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Ignoring the obvious, it’s still been a weird season of many ups and downs for the 13-time premier league champions. So what can the fans take away from the season so far.

DOWN – INCONSISTENCY BY THE BOOK

If you looked up the word inconsistency in the dictionary, you would see Man United’s name. Only the Red Devils can go from beating a Pep Guardiola team that happens to be the champions and a Jose Mourinho side that were Champions League finalists to losing to a relegation fighting Nigel Pearson managed Watford in less than a month. United’s form is like a carrier bag in the wind, you never know where they are going. If it wasn’t for these poor results against teams United should be beating, then Solskjaer would be guiding his squad into the champions league without doubt. It’s not just the results but the performances can go from a 10 to a 1 in the space of a few days. Something that has cost United in recent years but a problem that if sorted can spring United up to glory again.

UP – EMERGENCE OF BRANDON WILLIAMS

All the way back in 2014, Luke Shaw became the 4th most expensive defender in world football and Man United fans were thinking they had the next Maldini on their hands. Unfortunately, many injuries have caused the Englishman’s progress to halt especially the
double leg break that nearly ended his career against PSV in 2015. Luke Shaw is beginning to find his feet again but is being pushed by a new up and coming young gun in Brandon Williams. Not many had heard of Williams before his sudden rise to the first team in late 2019 but many are singing his name week in week out. Let’s not get too carried away with Williams and fall into the same trap as we did with Shaw but fingers crossed his development can continue even if the future of Manchester United is unclear.

DOWN – BYE BYE GOMES AND CHONG

Despite having undisputed youth ranks at their disposal, Man United have two hot prospects that seem to be out of their hands very soon. Tahith Chong has been given a few chances but has failed to impress and with many fans jumping on the young dutchman’s
back, he seems to be wanting the first flight out of Manchester. As for Angel Gomes, his chances have been minimal which has also caused him to consider a future away. The destination of these two players is yet unknown but let’s hope they stay and push for a
deserved place in the team.

UP – MIDFIELD TURNAROUND

Anyone remember earlier in the season when United had midfield problems that were costing us big games? Yeah me too. Well thankfully those days have passed despite only one addition to the team. No one can dispute the utter quality shown by Bruno since his debut against Wolves, but the midfield suddenly improved around December time. Fred became one of the league’s best after consistent performances and his partner Mctominay was class when needed, especially that goal against Ederson. Mata and Matic have featured regularly due to many injuries and have done well when called upon. Finally, Pogba, who has spent less time on a football pitch this season than I have spent on the toilet writing this article, is a truly marvel player when he performs but that isn’t often. The Pogba debate is a topic for another time but he is certainly a strong asset to add to the already great midfield.

DOWN – NOT QUITE GIGGS YET

Dan James had a fantastic start to the season where he was Mr. ever reliable and was the only player that was actually scoring however that form nosedived off of a cliff. James has been out of form since September and hasn’t really helped us out like he did at the start of the season. James has been shafted though as his initial signing was a prospect for the future but after afew good performances he seems to live off that form and plays week in week out. After being an up in August he quickly turned into a down for the rest of the season so far.

UP – A BOYHOOD DREAM

If you were a time traveller and travelled to the future to read this article just after the Ighalo announcement you would more than likely think I am out of my tiny mind by putting this as an up but surprisingly signing a former Watford striker that has been living it up in the retirement home of football in the Chinese Super League was a great move. After injuries to Rashford and Martial, it was harsh to pile a load of pressure on the young shoulders of Mason Greenwood so Man United decided to have the most random transfer deadline day ever. From what started off as Josh King or Salomon Rondon quickly turned into Odion Ighalo which left many scratching their heads. However, he has adjusted to the big expectations much quicker than anyone thought and has become the useful and reliable player we wanted. After doubting the loan move, most United fans have everything crossed that his contract is
extended, and he stays for longer than many expected.

DOWN – JESSE LINGARD

Jesse Lingard. No explanation needed. Sorry Lingz.

UP – YOU SHALL NOT PASS

Man United have one of the best defensive records in the Europe this season. Aaron Wan Bissaka has proved he is one of the top right backs in football, Harry Maguire has become a reliable and strong captain despite a slow start under Ole and as for Lindelof, he has been a useful player but has seen better days. This defensive setup along with the already mentioned Williams has proven to be a defence that many attackers can’t seem to get past. It does help when you have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in David De Gea guarding your net. When seeing all these players in the starting lineup, the opposition must be praying for a miracle in order to get past the wall that Ole and United have built.