Chris Maduewesi
Member
Not many people have given Manchester United a chance to win the English Premier League title this season but now people are beginning to reckon with them and possibly think otherwise.
In the first week of November, it looked as though United's main aim would have been to qualify for the Champions League next season, however it appears that a shot at the title is now a possibility.
Make no mistakes, they are not firing at all cylinders, in fact they don't exude the aura of champions, but it cannot be ignored that they are gradually making a statement.
Six wins in a row and they are steadily raking in the points that has kept them up there amongst the top teams.
Between September and November, Chelsea was untouchable, however a downtown in early December has seen them open a vista for other teams to creep in.
And in more than a way, Manchester United seem to be one of the beneficiaries from Chelsea's slip.
For instance in Novemeber that they still had an astronomical lead, when asked if he thought it was now just a two horse race for the championship, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said: "No, I don't think that. (A lead of) 10-11-12 points I don't think is a drama at this stage of the season with so many games to go. 11 points (for United) is not much," he noted.
And it is appearing to be exactly so, although Chelsea and Manchester City remain firm favourites for the title, there is no discarding Manchester United just yet.
Below, we have outlined five reasons that can see United win the Premier League title:
No Champions League football:
Although it has been trumpeted before, it might just come to the fore now.
There is no midweek game to worry about and this might just be a blessing in disguise.
While United's rivals would be cracking up their brains how to effectively juggle their squads, they themselves would only be concerned on just one game per week.
City in February face an arduous task when they clash against Barcelona over two legs, and just before and after the games against the Spanish side they will play about three Premier League matches.
Same goes for Chelsea who play Paris Saint Germain, add Mourinho's penchant of not really bothered about rotating his squad, and you would understand that some players could be fatigued.
United on their part will have players fresh and having had the luxury of resting for a week.
It is just looking like the type of run Liverpool had last season which saw them finish second.
Players back from injuries:
It is no secret that United is the club worst hit by injuries this season, and despite that they are still third on the table.
Imagine if all their players are fully fit what a formidable team they will become.
Overall they have suffered from over 40 different injuries to their players which has seen them promote youth players like Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair and James Wilson.
United this season have repeatedly changed their back-line, mainly out of necessity not just because of a wish.
Against Liverpool, none of the six new players signed in the summer started the game, yet they still won the match.
Having been able to navigate through when players were out, they can only get better when these guys come back from the treatment table.
David De Gea now a key player:
The Spanish goalkeeper has single-handedly won United games this season, which has stood him out.
In the constant rotation of his back-four, De Gea has towered high to save his side from games that they would have lost.
Games against Everton, Arsenal and recently against Liverpool readily comes to mind, the kind of immaculate saves he made were just phenomenal.
And according to a poll by the Premier League, a massive 72% voted for De Gea as the best goalkeeper this season (so far).
And if United are to mount a sustainable title challenge, they need De Gea not to drop his guards.
Fiery Attack:
Any team that has Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao(who is yet to click) with Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria pulling the strings, goals are assured.
It is a formidable frontline that can break down opposition defences, having all the paraphernalia to score goals.
Just like in 2012 that Manchester City won the league title on the final day of the season by virtue of superior goal difference, it could toe that line in 2015.
Falcao at the moment is not a starter for United, partly as a result of his dodgy injury record. If a player of his pedigree is fully fit and getting minutes on the pitch, he can help fire United up the ladder.
On paper, United have an enviable attack that can strike in trepidation in the minds of opposition defenders, left to be seen if they can fully maximise their potentials.
Louis Van Gaal factor:
There is no doubt that the Dutch tactician is a winner, he has that tendency to compete for honours.
In all the leagues that he has competed in, Van Gaal has won titles in those countries.
Not starting off the way that he would have wanted, however, Van Gaal has masterminded a renaissance of sort, leading his club to six wins on the bounce.
He knows how to build a winning side, and he is someone who surely knows how to deliver.
Earlier this season he rambled a lot about his philosophy, imbibing in his players his idea of how he wants to set them up.
Being a master tactician, if Van Gaal succeeds to get his players to subscribe to his philosophy, then other teams should just be fearful.
In the first week of November, it looked as though United's main aim would have been to qualify for the Champions League next season, however it appears that a shot at the title is now a possibility.
Make no mistakes, they are not firing at all cylinders, in fact they don't exude the aura of champions, but it cannot be ignored that they are gradually making a statement.
Six wins in a row and they are steadily raking in the points that has kept them up there amongst the top teams.
Between September and November, Chelsea was untouchable, however a downtown in early December has seen them open a vista for other teams to creep in.
And in more than a way, Manchester United seem to be one of the beneficiaries from Chelsea's slip.
For instance in Novemeber that they still had an astronomical lead, when asked if he thought it was now just a two horse race for the championship, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said: "No, I don't think that. (A lead of) 10-11-12 points I don't think is a drama at this stage of the season with so many games to go. 11 points (for United) is not much," he noted.
And it is appearing to be exactly so, although Chelsea and Manchester City remain firm favourites for the title, there is no discarding Manchester United just yet.
Below, we have outlined five reasons that can see United win the Premier League title:
No Champions League football:
Although it has been trumpeted before, it might just come to the fore now.
There is no midweek game to worry about and this might just be a blessing in disguise.
While United's rivals would be cracking up their brains how to effectively juggle their squads, they themselves would only be concerned on just one game per week.
City in February face an arduous task when they clash against Barcelona over two legs, and just before and after the games against the Spanish side they will play about three Premier League matches.
Same goes for Chelsea who play Paris Saint Germain, add Mourinho's penchant of not really bothered about rotating his squad, and you would understand that some players could be fatigued.
United on their part will have players fresh and having had the luxury of resting for a week.
It is just looking like the type of run Liverpool had last season which saw them finish second.
Players back from injuries:
It is no secret that United is the club worst hit by injuries this season, and despite that they are still third on the table.
Imagine if all their players are fully fit what a formidable team they will become.
Overall they have suffered from over 40 different injuries to their players which has seen them promote youth players like Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair and James Wilson.
United this season have repeatedly changed their back-line, mainly out of necessity not just because of a wish.
Against Liverpool, none of the six new players signed in the summer started the game, yet they still won the match.
Having been able to navigate through when players were out, they can only get better when these guys come back from the treatment table.
David De Gea now a key player:
The Spanish goalkeeper has single-handedly won United games this season, which has stood him out.
In the constant rotation of his back-four, De Gea has towered high to save his side from games that they would have lost.
Games against Everton, Arsenal and recently against Liverpool readily comes to mind, the kind of immaculate saves he made were just phenomenal.
And according to a poll by the Premier League, a massive 72% voted for De Gea as the best goalkeeper this season (so far).
And if United are to mount a sustainable title challenge, they need De Gea not to drop his guards.
Fiery Attack:
Any team that has Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao(who is yet to click) with Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria pulling the strings, goals are assured.
It is a formidable frontline that can break down opposition defences, having all the paraphernalia to score goals.
Just like in 2012 that Manchester City won the league title on the final day of the season by virtue of superior goal difference, it could toe that line in 2015.
Falcao at the moment is not a starter for United, partly as a result of his dodgy injury record. If a player of his pedigree is fully fit and getting minutes on the pitch, he can help fire United up the ladder.
On paper, United have an enviable attack that can strike in trepidation in the minds of opposition defenders, left to be seen if they can fully maximise their potentials.
Louis Van Gaal factor:
There is no doubt that the Dutch tactician is a winner, he has that tendency to compete for honours.
In all the leagues that he has competed in, Van Gaal has won titles in those countries.
Not starting off the way that he would have wanted, however, Van Gaal has masterminded a renaissance of sort, leading his club to six wins on the bounce.
He knows how to build a winning side, and he is someone who surely knows how to deliver.
Earlier this season he rambled a lot about his philosophy, imbibing in his players his idea of how he wants to set them up.
Being a master tactician, if Van Gaal succeeds to get his players to subscribe to his philosophy, then other teams should just be fearful.
