by Gene Hunt
They say that statistics are not always to be trusted but going into the weekend’s game with Swansea City, Manchester United are the form team in the Premier League. Of their last 15 games they have won ten, drawn four and lost only one.
As Manchester City have stalled without Yaya Toure and as Chelsea have suffered eye-catching and uncharacteristic upsets – not least losing to minnows Bradford City in the FA Cup – Louis van Gaal’s side have been steadily picking up the points. The surprise is that for the most part, judging from the lively criticisms of pundits and paying customers alike, you would think that things were not going well at Old Trafford.
Complaints
There are complaints about Van Gaal’s tactics, there is criticism of his deployment of big name players – especially Wayne Rooney and the £60 million summer signing Angel di Maria – and there are suggestions that his abrasive and confrontational approach is ruffling feathers amongst the media. ‘Arrogance’ is the accusation, but whilst that may not be the most English of attributes, it does appear to be part and parcel of a winning mentality.
United’s quiet climb to third place is an indication that after some early season uncertainty, the side are getting back to the sort of competitive efficiency that Sir Alex Ferguson instilled throughout his time in charge.
A developing investment
It is surely a season too early to expect United to challenge for the Premier League title, especially given Chelsea’s lead, but any free bet offer that will allow you to back them for next season’s crown is well worth considering. On the same basis, there is growing evidence that investing some of your own money may be worthwhile. United currently represent a developing investment opportunity.
If the current run of results represents Van Gaal muddling through as he works towards his most effective formula, imagine what he might deliver when he finally gets it right. Never mind the complaints about an unadventurous approach or defensive frailties (which are no more than two sides of the same coin), Van Gaal is a manager in the happy position of being master of his own destiny. After the shock of missing out on the Champions League last term, United’s owners simply cannot afford to do anything but stand by their man. A club founded on stability now has no option but to back Van Gaal all the way.
Just the beginning
That scenario will see the manager once again able to command transfer funds in a way that his ill-fated predecessor was unable or unwilling to do. It is likely to see the necessary defensive reinforcements brought in – particularly at centre half – and an attacking alternative to the disappointing Radamel Falcao recruited.
This season is just the beginning for Van Gaal. The media may not like him, his fellow managers may complain about him and supporters may be impatient with his approach, but slowly but surely the Dutchman is dragging United back to the grand stage on which they believe they belong. United’s recent numbers certainly suggest that there is some substance to that positive self-belief.