Three For MUFC: Three things that Manchester United should or shouldn’t do over the coming week.
Manchester United booked their place into round four of the FA Cup last weekend with a late, late show at Old Trafford. Derby County of the championship, rocked up with a dream of knocking out Jose Mourinho’s men. That dream was about to be crushed with a wonder strike from the in form Messi Lingard and an injury time clincher from the Belgian, Romelu Lukaku.
United waited till the 86th minute before Lingard’s edge of the box strike, which rocketed into the top corner in front of the Stretford End, had finally broken the Ram’s stern resilience.
In this column I would normally comment on what I believe the manager or team should do over the coming week, but with United not playing until Monday, the options are pretty limited.
The following fixtures are on this weeks calendar.
15th January: Home – Stoke City
1 – New Manager Swing
Mark Hughes, Manchester United legend, was dismissed from his position as Stoke City manager after tumbling out of the FA Cup third round to League Two side, Coventry City. Hughes had been under pressure and with recent results not going the way the team from the Potteries would of liked, finally decided to wield the axe and release the Welshman from his duties.
With no new man in place as of yet, the chances are that Stoke will venture up to Old Trafford with a care taker manager. Sometimes the players feel revitalised. A sense of freedom from the previous regime. This could cause United problems at a time when form at Old Trafford is average at best.
Some fans seem to have a bit of an issue with the former Red Devils frontman. I for one will always remember the goals. Brilliant memories. Thank you, Sparky.
2 – Hot Weather Training
The squad are currently on warm weather training. The lads have jetted off to Dubai to soak up some sun while they put in the hard work. Some critics will say that the team, which are so far behind Manchester City, they need binoculars, need to be closer to home. That they don’t deserve a break abroad. Others will say that the break and change of scenery will be a good for the players. Time to make a two pronged attack on both the Champions League and the FA Cup. All this while still trying to tread water in the top four, domestically.
3 – January Deals
With the window wide open for business, its clear to see at the moment that despite it being early in January, clubs are willing to pay the big money. First Liverpool, with their £75 million pound signing of Virgil Van Dijk. This causing a domino effect in a Brazilian shaped Coutinho. Barcelona couldn’t wait till the Summer and decided to splash in the region of £145 million quid.
Jose has always said that he never finds any value in buying players midseason. I cant see this changing any time soon. He will look to keep his squad together until May. I hope I am wrong.
Lets hope that the squad bring back some sunshine to their football.