Neither Toon nor Man U have had the season starts that they were looking for. Howe and ten Hag then faced a nervous international lay off before returning with awkward home games and then tricky away games in the Champions League. Both faced must win games against the EPL's giant killers.
Toon faced Brentford who beat City home and away last season and are no push overs. The home side prevailed 1-0 and now travel to Milan with a spring in their step. Man U were not so fortunate. They faced a well drilled Brighton side, who have been fantastic under Di Zerbi, and it was no surprise when the Seagulls handed Man U their arse on a plate. After a great opening 10 minutes from Man U, Brighton settled to their task and played Man U off the park. Gross scored the all important second following a 90 second move that started with the Brighton keeper, they played it out from the back, strolled through Man U's lines and patiently found the space in the box for Gross to put them 2-up. It was oh so simple for Brighton at what used to be Fortress Old Trafford.
Toon faced Brentford who beat City home and away last season and are no push overs. The home side prevailed 1-0 and now travel to Milan with a spring in their step. Man U were not so fortunate. They faced a well drilled Brighton side, who have been fantastic under Di Zerbi, and it was no surprise when the Seagulls handed Man U their arse on a plate. After a great opening 10 minutes from Man U, Brighton settled to their task and played Man U off the park. Gross scored the all important second following a 90 second move that started with the Brighton keeper, they played it out from the back, strolled through Man U's lines and patiently found the space in the box for Gross to put them 2-up. It was oh so simple for Brighton at what used to be Fortress Old Trafford.
United now travel to Munich, where they face a superb Bayern side with an on-form Harry Kane. Ten Hag needs to get a grip before the season slips away. I think we can already right off any EPL title aspirations, but he has the means to get out of his UCL group and do well in the domestic cups. He seems to have zero luck though. Following on from the Greenwood debacle, he now has a similar situation with Anthony and has also fallen out with Sancho. Add to that, he has his ex-captain hanging about the club. He let Maguire know last season exactly where he stands in the pecking order. With Martinez and Varane injured, he played Luke Shaw at centre-half beside Lindelof instead of Maguire. Yet still Maguire didn't leave, even though it's a Euro Championship year and his England spot is at risk.
All of this points to ten Hag not having complete authority at the club, and when you consider the botched job the Glazers are doing of running/selling the club, it would seem United's woes will linger for at least another season. All great viewing for fans of Liverpool and City!
Next weekend, of all the title contenders City play first, at home to Forest. If they get 3 points, they will temporarily have a 5 point gap on their rivals. With Liverpool playing the Hammers and Arsenal playing Spurs on Sunday at 2pm, the chasing pack will inevitably drop points. We're not even out of September and already the pressure is on.
All of this points to ten Hag not having complete authority at the club, and when you consider the botched job the Glazers are doing of running/selling the club, it would seem United's woes will linger for at least another season. All great viewing for fans of Liverpool and City!
Next weekend, of all the title contenders City play first, at home to Forest. If they get 3 points, they will temporarily have a 5 point gap on their rivals. With Liverpool playing the Hammers and Arsenal playing Spurs on Sunday at 2pm, the chasing pack will inevitably drop points. We're not even out of September and already the pressure is on.
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