Since the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United fans have been starved of success. The team have won a few cup competitions in recent times, but the Red Devils have been well off the pace in the Premier League title battle for the past decade or so.
However, could the tide be turning under new manager Erik ten Hag? The Dutchman has responded in style after a forgettable start, and United are playing the right way and picking up results.
Are United Title Contenders?
Arsenal and Manchester United are among the frontrunners for the Premier League title, with this year’s title battle looking like a three-horse race between the pair, along with Manchester City. The Gunners are available at 10/11 in the football betting odds, while City are priced at 11/10. Man United will have other ideas, and the Red Devils are coming in at 16/1.
Can Ten Hag Bring the Glory Days Back?
Winning the title may be a step too far, too soon for Ten Hag and Man United this season, but the Manchester giants are heading in the right direction under their new boss. First and foremost, bringing UEFA Champions League football back to the Theatre of Dreams is the ultimate priority.
The fastest United manager to reach 20 wins ✔️
Erik ten Hag is making waves 🌊 pic.twitter.com/ORPPBkFegX
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 10, 2023
The likes of Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tried to replicate Ferguson’s success, but all failed for one reason or another. The Scot had a remarkable reign at Old Trafford from 1986 to 2013, guiding United to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier Leagues and two Champions League wins.
Dutchman Recovers from Dreadful Start
Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford got off to the worst possible start. The Red Devils were beaten in game one by Graham Potter’s Brighton & Hove Albion, losing 2-1 in front of their own supporters. They then had one of the worst results in their recent history, as United were thumped 4-0 by Thomas Frank’s Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
However, it all changed when Man United beat rivals Liverpool in August, which was the start of a four-game winning run in the league. They also booked their place in the last of 32 of the UEFA Europa League, where Spanish giants Barcelona wait in a two-legged play-off.
By Christmas, Man United were back around the top four and were starting to look strong. They have kicked on after the FIFA World Cup break, and a recent victory over neighbours Man City was the highlight of their season so far.
Man Utd last season:
20 wins in 49 gamesMan Utd this season:
20 wins in 27 gamesErik ten Hag is the fastest manager in Man Utd history to reach 20 wins 📈 pic.twitter.com/oKayz8Vu0R
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2023
If the Cristiano Ronaldo saga is anything to go by, then Ten Hag will be no pushover at Old Trafford. United have bridged the gap on rivals Man City this season and could be genuine title contenders next term.
Right now, bringing Champions League football back to Old Trafford is the goal. United are in the mix for a top-four spot and are right up there with the favourites to win this year’s Europa League.
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