United View With Ben McCarthy: Encouraging Signs, But Room For Improvement

On the whole, Manchester United can look back at the last few days positively.

Delivering an outstanding display in their 2-0 victory over Spurs and despite drawing 1-1 with Chelsea, a last-minute equaliser will leave United feeling happy with the result.

Spurs were far from their best on Wednesday night, but take nothing away from United, it was a dominant performance, and every man played their part. The way Ten Hag set up his side made it extremely difficult for Spurs to build out from the back, cutting off the supply to Kane and Son.

United should have taken the lead before half-time and there was a feeling of Spurs coming back into the game. Alas, that wasn’t to be as the reds replicated their first-half superiority. Goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes rounded off a terrific night of football at Old Trafford. The only criticism is that United should have scored more.

Many deemed it the best performance of the season for Manchester United, and spirits were high for everyone associated with the club. Everyone except Cristiano Ronaldo who left the stadium before full-time after refusing to come on as a substitute. Ten Hag was less than impressed, however, Ronaldo is back in first-team training.

As punishment for his antics, Ronaldo was excluded from the clash against Chelsea. It didn’t seem to affect the players massively as they started the game as the aggressor, enjoying a period of control where they had chances to take the lead. 

Graham Potter is terrific at tactically adjusting to problems; this was no different. He was quick to see that Chelsea was struggling in the midfield and brought on Kovavic to compensate. The game then became more even as United were made to rue their lack of conviction.

Chelsea must have thought they won the game late on, being awarded a penalty from a Scott McTominay foul that he can have no complaints about. Jorginho converted from the spot and United looked to be heading to a fourth defeat of the season.

That was the case until deep into stoppage time. Luke Shaw’s whipped cross was met by Casemiro, bouncing off the post and crossing the line by inches if not centimetres. Thank goodness for goal-line technology. 

The away end then proceeded to turn into complete bedlam, with fans and players celebrating ecstatically. From a Manchester United point of view, it’s great to see the team and fans celebrating as one, a happy change from the disconnect that occurred between the two last season.

There's no denying that a win would have been the desired result, but considering United were moments away from defeat, it is hard to see it as a negative result. A draw keeps them within a point of Chelsea and touching distance of the top four. Not bad at all given the rocky start to the campaign.

United could and probably should have beaten Newcastle and Chelsea, had they taken their chances. Rashford filled the hole up top on Saturday, although the lack of a true number centre forward was apparent.

On the bright side, performances have undoubtedly improved in recent weeks and so has the mood around Old Trafford. It’s been a testing start to the season for Ten Hag and United, playing nine teams of the current top 11. Hopefully, things become easier in the upcoming weeks, however, is there an easy game in Premier League anymore?

United are back in Europa League action on Thursday, welcoming FC Sheriff as the reds continue to chase down the top spot in their group. They’ll have to keep an eye on Sunday though, as former Manchester United manager David Moyes brings his West Ham side to Old Trafford.