UNITED AREN’T UP TO IT
IT’S a potentially pivotal weekend in the title race – and Manchester United have shown they are equipped to have a huge influence on it.
They’ve won five of their last seven visits to the Etihad, which is a truly remarkable statistic. It’s insane.
Why? United clearly have a game plan to hurt one of the most dangerous teams, so why not the other sides?
I think it has something to do with desire, with mindset.
Because it’s City, they are prepared to work harder, dig in, fight, show character to match their quality. And I’d argue if they showed that character every week, then they’d be in a much better position.
City are an incredible side, but not invincible. Everton showed that last week – by taking the fight to them.
The problem with playing City is, if you have just one player not doing his work properly, then they find a way to pass out of their zones and
hurt you. It takes everyone. If United are to have a chance today, every player must show that commitment, that work ethic, ensure they are pressing with total commitment.
Can they do that? I have to say I can’t see it. There are too many players at that club who seem to want to be the ‘luxury’ player and not have to work.
When United have won at the Etihad, it’s through an incredible team ethic and a fight absent this season.
Ralf Rangnick will know how they won those times – because the analysts and many of the coaches are still there, and the blueprint will be set out against City.
I think he’ll be wise enough to use it and he’s not got a huge ego which says he has to do it his way. But can the players put aside their egos?
If they do, then it makes the title race incredibly interesting now – but I’m sorry to say I just can’t see it from a side that simply don’t look enough of a team to me.