Since the last time Manchester United won the Premier League title (2013), the club has struggled to regain its footing as a consistent force atop the Table. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and that last title in 2013, Man Utd has finished outside the Top 4 more times than amongst the Top 4. The trophy case is getting a little dusty since those glory days with Sir Alex.
Time and again they have overhauled management as well as personnel to no avail. That said, they look like they got it right in their most recent fires and hires. Specific to the last year alone, Manchester United fans have witnessed a change in manager (Ralf Rangnick out / Erik ten Hag in) and the departure of a global superstar (Cristiano Ronaldo).
Jay Croucher summed it up best on today’s NBC Sports Soccer Pub with Apple TV’s Brian Dunseth.
“Its been a bizarre last twelve months.”
It appears, though, they got it right with this latest round of club alterations. Somewhat quietly, Manchester United has risen from the ashes (okay, a wee bit of an overstatement) to a Top 4 position in the Premier League in 2023.
(More: Premier League Table)
Is United really in the hunt for the Prem League title this season? Croucher and Dunseth discussed it.
“It could be a reality,” said Dunseth. “Five points isn’t that huge of a difference considering what we’ve seen in the Premier League table and some of the hiccups some of the other teams have had…”
Croucher and Dunseth agree that Erik ten Hag is at the foundation of the club’s turnaround.
“I would say it starts with an identity,” the former Team USA captain stated. “As a player…you want clear cut ideas...It feels like when you watch Erik ten Hag’s side that you see what they are trying to do. Its also about accountability…as a player when you are looking for a leader you want someone that you can believe in…and at the same time hold every single person accountable…that’s what Erik ten Hag has shown.”
Rashford Is the Face of Manchester United
Credit the manager or the effects of maturity or perhaps a bit of both, but Marcus Rashford is now a star.
“Its Marcus Rashford‘s team…he is the game breaker,” proclaimed Croucher.
(More: How to Watch the Premier League)
Co-host of the “Week in the Tackle” podcast, Dunseth took it a step further.
“The empowerment of being The Guy…Its rhythm. Its confidence. Now you’re looking at Marcus Rashford in a form that is consistent in a season…of what we see in a guy like Harry Kane…”
Carabao Cup Final: Manchester United v. Newcastle United
Croucher and Dunseth wrapped things up touching on the Carabao Cup Final this weekend against Newcastle United.
“I’m still always intrigued to see what the starting 11 looks like for Erik ten Hag because there’s always one or two surprises.”
Dunseth went on to speak to the importance of the finale against Newcastle.
“Even though it does not have the, maybe the allure of an FA Cup type of feel its still a trophy and trophies matter.”
Trophies do matter and after a lengthy drought, Old Trafford may just have to make room for another this weekend.
This week’s episode of the NBC Sports Soccer Pub ended with the Best Bets for the weekend in the PL from Jay Croucher, Drew Dinsick, and Brad Thomas.
