Three Man United players who need to step up if they’re to win silverware this season
Manchester United has started the new Premier League season in the worst possible way with players not having any fighting spirit left. It’s about time the Red Devils stir up some results, if not, there is a long campaign ahead.
Ending 2023-24 as FA champions, provided a ray of hope for Manchester United, and defeating bitter rivals Manchester City was the icing on the cake. However, the pre-season was a below-average experience as the two victories in five games.
Even though the FA community shield had some spirit, Pep’s side had a last laugh despite Garnacho breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Bernardo Silva scored to take the game the penalties. However, Jonny Evans blew the spot kick, giving Manchester City the advantage and victory.
The first league game of the season against Wolves was a game that saw many opportunities wasted by Rashford and Garnacho, but an 87th-minute winner from debutant Zirkzee was enough to grab all three points.
Later, Brighton and Liverpool exposed the same leaky defence and clueless midfield Manchester United has been trying to hide. At the Amex Stadium, the defeat added the Seagulls tally to four wins in the last five meetings against the Red Devils. On Sunday, it was free-flowing Liverpool who in the past 3 seasons just loved taking on Manchester United as they scored three goals putting the game to rest.
After a look at the past, it’s high time the Manchester United players step up to the occasion.
After proper analysis, here are three players, that need to lead by example for Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford
The United graduate has been struggling to find form, since his best-scoring season of 30 goals across all competitions. Rashford was a key figure in the attack threatening every defense, but now not even able to convert a goal, which is just a sad watch. Gary Neville expressed his concern saying “”It’s sad watching that kid because he has been a joy for United at times in his career but it is getting hard work for him and hard work for fans to watch him.”
“There’s no confidence. He had a one-on-one with Konate and he’s ended back up at centre-back. The United fans aren’t going to let him get away with that. Whatever happens, you still have to go for it and take the one on one.
He also added”He might not be having a great day, great time, but he’s just turned back and that tells you where his head is at. It’s been going on for 14 months, he scored 30 goals the season before last. I’d like to think he can get his confidence back but it’s looking like a struggle. The game doesn’t look enjoyable for him right now and that’s sad.”
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes dazzled the midfield in his debut season scoring goals left, right, and centre. He was even awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for November 2020. However, his lack of consistency has been alarming for the Reds as the distribution and supply of balls have been below par for Ten Hag’s side. The midfielder was a scapegoat for the pundits as his body language and complaining attitude was taken well by the United faithful. So the Portuguese presence is pivotal if results are to be celebrated at Old Trafford.
Casemiro
A world-class signing turned to dust in a matter of few matches is Casemiro’s life, so far in England. After 12 months of regressive performances, Sunday’s game against Liverpool marked the lowest point in his time for Manchester United. There has been so much hatred surfing around the internet about the Brazilian after the game, however, if the midfielder decides to lift himself, then it would be a different United.
Also Read: Erik Ten Hag confident Manchester United will ‘catch up’ to Liverpool & ‘aim for titles’ after falling to 14th following 3-0 defeat