Why are Manchester United off to a shaky start?
What's the story
Record English champions Manchester United are yet to click at the top level, as they are still in the hunt for their maiden Premier League title in the post-Ferguson era. However, they are off to a shaky start in the ongoing season, as they sit eighth in the Premier League table, for now. Meanwhile, we analyze the reason for the same.
Unstable defense
Defense continues to be unstable
United have had a long-standing issue with their defense and has not been resolved to date. While they have utility defenders like Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and many more, their inability to play as an unchanged/collective unit has led to lack of co-ordination. With United's successful former defender Patrice Evra willing to provide help, Ole Gunnar Solskjær should take it.
Immature attack
The attacking line-up needs to be more mature
Barring their opening game against Chelsea, United have looked lackluster in their attacking department. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are the only ones who seem to be the matured ones in the forward line-up. However, immature gameplay and inability to find out the perfect time to strike the ball has led to many chances for them gone pegging.
Misfiring tactics
Solskjaer needs to tweak his tactics
While Solskjaer and his tactics did make an impact initially last season, it has since gone down. Also, he needs to know those same tactics do not work forever and needs to be changed with every few games. He is defensive and the urge to play on the counter often makes his team suffer against sides that dig deep and defend.
Injury trouble
Injury to top players denying consistency
United have been on the receiving end of a number of injuries since the past season. This season has also seen injuries to top players like Anthony Martial, Shaw, Rashford and Pogba, as United have been denied the consistency they needed since their commendable win over Chelsea in the EPL opener. Nonetheless, United should up-bring players to stop being over-reliant on top players.
Transfer market drawback
Ed Woodward unwilling to invest on big signings
United fans, along with critics, have blasted United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for not giving enough freedom to Solskjær to bring in his choice of players. While United have had the chance to sign some big players this season, Woodward's reluctance to invest big in the transfer market has indeed been a setback for the club, despite generating record revenue (£627 million) last season.