United View: Inconsistency costing United

Manchester United did what they needed to do against Wolves on Monday, coming back from a first-half scare to run out 4-1 winners on the night. 

It moves them up to sixth place, which is a respectable start to the season, but they can’t let complacency cost them a potential Champions League place in the second half of the campaign.

After two disappointing results against Everton and West Ham in recent weeks, their trip to Molineux was an absolute must-win. 

Wolves have only picked up two points this season, and are on course to break the record as the worst team in Premier League history.

That being said, at half-time the Reds found themselves level, with an unwelcome feeling of potentially squandering an opportunity to climb up the table against a side there for the taking.

Thankfully, Ruben Amorim’s side quickly quelled any suggestion of an unlikely victory for Rob Edwards’ side, with goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes securing a second successive away win for the Reds, who are now five unbeaten on the road.

Undoubtedly, United should have a better points tally than what they currently have, but Amorim’s men are six points and seven goals better off this season compared to the same point in the previous season.

It only makes the dropped points against the likes of Everton, Brentford, West Ham and Fulham even more frustrating; a couple of moments of lapses in concentration cost United in those games, and collectively it could cost them Champions League football.

European qualification is well within the realms of possibility, and investment in January could be something that swings momentum back in the Reds’ direction. 

It’s unlikely they’ll be able to bring in someone with the same quality and impact as Bruno Fernandes brought in 2020, but another midfielder could change the setup of this side.

Even if the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba are considered off-limits in January, seeing United’s recruitment team at least attempt to sign one would be encouraging. 

Of the three, Baleba would likely be the most ‘gettable’, although they’d have to wait until after AFCON.

United will also have to do without their entire right side which started against Wolves in Noussair Mazraoui, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo. 

How they manage this significant absence is yet to be seen; perhaps now we may see Amorim experiment with some youth talent.

The Reds will need others to step up without them, and hopefully, Mason Mount can continue his good form over Christmas and the New Year. 

He was sensational on Monday night, grabbing another goal to take his total to three this season.

Speaking after the game, Ruben Amorim said, “It’s not just the goal he scored, it’s the way he plays the game - how he attacks, he defends, he understands his technical qualities. You don’t need to have many touches. He’s a really good player and works hard. He knows sometimes he needs to start on the bench.”

Mount has had so many setbacks since arriving at Old Trafford, but it looks as though he’s starting to show his quality. 

Amorim has been managing his minutes knowing his injury record, although he may need to utilise the England international much more in the coming weeks.

United next face Bournemouth on Monday night. 

Andoni Iraola’s side have struggled in recent weeks after their promising start, not winning in six games. 

However, Amorim will be well aware of the threat the Cherries possess, after their 3-0 win at Old Trafford last season.