Manchester United are unbeaten in all competitions in 2024 at time of writing, and won three Premier League games in a row beating Aston Villa, West Ham and Wolves. From talk of crisis and a managerial change needed at Old Trafford, to hopes of the top four being back on.
Erik ten Hag’s team have climbed to sixth, now lying six points behind fourth place Tottenham. So, here are some of the reasons why Manchester United can crash the top four party.
HOJLUND COMING GOOD
Rasmus Hojlund’s purple patch in front of goal has seen him show glimpses of the potential that came with his move from Atalanta. The Dane has scored in five games in a row, since breaking his Premier League duck on Boxing Day. Six goals in his last eight games is an encouraging run of form as Hojlund continues to try to justify his €75M transfer fee. Ten Hag sees Hojlund as his main striker with Anthony Martial consistently heading back to the treatment table. If United are going to make the Champions League, it’ll be largely down to if their forwards can keep their form going.
The United DNA
Manchester United are one of the most successful clubs in England and have constantly been challenging at the top of the table. Winning the Champions League three times, United have been there and done it on the big stage. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, United have finished in the top four on just five occasions in ten years. Despite not being too consistent this season, history shows that Manchester United know how to grind out a good run-in and make European football. Their main competitors this season Aston Villa and Spurs are not as well versed in pressure run-ins, which gives United an advantage.
UNITED’S KIDS ON THE BLOCK
The class of ’92 were a group of young players in the United academy who went on to do incredible things for the first team. There are now a few youngsters in the current squad who are lighting up the league with their raw talent. Alejandro Garnacho, Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are making a name for themselves and contributing week in and week out. 19-year-old Garnacho has five Premier League goals and two assists, including a ‘Goal of the Season’ contender at Everton. 18 year-old Mainoo has now started ten Premier League games but looks very much at home in Manchester United’s midfield, highlighted by his sensational winner at Wolves. The sprinkling of stardust coming from the youth is giving United a new lease of life.
UNITED DO NOT GIVE UP
Manchester United have won eight games this season by scoring winning goals in the last 15 minutes of matches. The never say die attitude is crucial to have when the pressure builds to the end of the season. Not only have they scored lots of late goals, but some of those goals have come from players off the bench. Scott McTominay came off the bench to win their last game against Aston Villa, as he did against Brentford earlier in the season. It is an extremely impressive trend, and those extra points could make all the difference in May.
TEN HAG’S EXPERIENCE
Erik ten Hag’s goal when he took over at Manchester United in 2022 was to deliver trophies and Champions League football. In his first season, he won the Carabao Cup, reached an FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League. Despite a rocky start, he had a successful first season in charge. This season, United have suffered similar setbacks, on and off the pitch but ten Hag’s experience and man management could see his side finish strong after a mixed first half of the campaign. The team is on form and it seems to be clicking – it would be a great achievement if they qualified for the Champions League again.
