United gaining traction

WINNING by a single goal away to Saint Etienne in the Europa League may not seem a significant milestone for a team of Manchester United’s stature but manager Jose Mourinho knew otherwise.

United are desperate to recapture the glory days of past when under Alex Ferguson they dominated the Premier League, winning 13 titles in 21 years.

Since the Scot’s departure, United have failed to even qualify for the Champions League in two of three seasons, with a best league finish of fourth place.

Last season, under Louis van Gaal, they did at least claim a trophy – the FA Cup – but with the self-styled ‘Special One’ Mourinho at the helm, there is a growing feeling that the Red Devils are building momentum.

And Wednesday night’s controlled, professional, clinical display at the Geoffroy Guichard ‘Cauldron’ epitomised the change in United’s recent fortunes.

Firstly, the statistics show United are in championship-winning form – 15 wins from their last 19 matches in all competitions, conceding just eight goals.

“We are not unbeatable but the record is really good,” said Mourinho after Wednesday’s game.

They have scored in 25 of the last 26 matches and lost only once, progressing in three cup competitions and closing in on the Champions League places.

Catching Chelsea and winning the league might be beyond them but finishing the season in the top four and with one or more trophies looks increasingly likely.

But for a raft of draws early in the campaign, they would likely be challenging Chelsea for top spot.

With eight wins and three draws from their last 11 league matches, they have picked up more points than anyone else over that period. But they have nine draws this season compared to Chelsea’s three and that has been the difference, particularly at home. — AFP