Manchester United have carved themselves a reputation as comeback kings, a reputation that dates back to the Premier League’s earliest days.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are notoriously known for turning deficits into victories, often leaving it until stoppage time to ensure some of the most dramatic and iconic Premier League moments.
Fantastically entertaining to watch, but this season United have been on the comeback trail far more frequently than they would have liked.
Tuesday nights 3-2 win over Braga was yet another example of United making things as difficult as possible for themselves, falling 2-0 down before half time, leaving them a mountain which they inevitably climbed.
Teams leading United know by now you can never ever afford to feel comfortable, even at 2-0 up with a minute to go you wouldn’t put it past Fergies men to stage an improbable comeback, but the amount of times they have had to do so this season leaves a big question toward their title credentials.
United have fallen behind in six of their eight Premier League fixtures this season, coming back to turn four deficits around at home to Fulham, away at Southampton and Liverpool, and once again at home to Stoke last weekend. Add to this their midweek Champions League performance, United have picked up 15 points from losing positions in all competitions.
Whilst you must commend their attitude, desire and spirit, you must also ask the question as why this season United are simply so slow out of the blocks?
They had conceded within three minutes against Fulham, inside 16 at Southampton, and inside 11 minutes against Stoke. They conceded less than a minute after the restart at Anfield, leading you to wonder why their concentration levels seem so poor when emerging for the start of either half.
The loss of Nemanja Vidic is noticeable, despite his replacement Jonny Evans showing signs of definite improvement over the past year. The Serbian has been missing from United’s back four for the best part of a year, and during his absence United have often looked vulnerable.
Defensive lapses and individual errors have haunted United on too many occasions, with goalkeeper David De Gea still not looking entirely convincing. Injuries to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have also been disruptive, with Michael Carrick having to fill in at centre back on the odd occasion, notably during the opening day’s 1-0 defeat at Everton.
Whilst United continue to win matches, everything will appear rosy. But with Ferguson stating his disappointment at the manner in which his team fell behind after only the second match of the season against Fulham, you do wonder why his side have continued to make the same mistake over and over again.
The pressure being put on the likes of Rooney, Van Persie and Welbeck has been far too much, and they and in particular Van Persie deserve tremendous credit for the goals they have produced to ultimately turn so many matches around.
It is a habit United need to nip in the bud as soon as possible, as the early indications this season suggest three teams will be battling it out for the title all the way to the wire.
Noisy neighbours Manchester City are enduring defensive problems of their own, and have mirrored United’s performances at times, Saturday’s comeback victory at West Brom being the most noticeable. The strength in depth they have in their squad will be enough to ensure they are in the title hunt once again come May.
But most worrying for United has been the emergence of Chelsea, who currently hold a four point lead the top of the Premier League table. Roberto Di Matteo’s new brand of expansive football has drawn plenty of admirers, and plenty of points. Defensively they have looked for the best part sound, with goalkeeper Petr Cech particularly outstanding.
Sir Alex will know his team cannot continue the way they are going without being caught out sooner or later. A positive way to look at would be the fact United have not played to their full potential so far this season, and despite their defensive difficulties they still sit second with an impressive 18 points from a possible 24.
With the front three of Welbeck, Rooney and Van Persie looking irresistible against Stoke City, United have arguably the strongest strike force in the league. Whether they continue to fall behind or not, I would back that trio to ensure United are well within the title hunt come May. And I think we can expect plenty more dramatic comebacks along the way.
Follow me on Twitter @LukeGreenwood89
[post_link url=” https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/the-15-great-polar-opposites-within-football, https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/football-fancast-paints-a-picture-of-the-modern-footballer, https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/top-players-in-europe-who-would-be-the-perfect-fit-in-the-premier-league,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/the-football-quarterbacks-and-their-role-within-the-game,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/arsenal/the-ideal-role-for-theo-walcott” target=”_blank” type=”grid”]