Well, January rolls forward. We’ve survived Blue Monday, but can we prevent a rampant Manchester United team making it 5 defeats from 6 since the Boxing Day restart?
To see just how upbeat the United fanbase is feeling, I caught up with long time Red Devil Dan Cooke.
Q – So Dan, how are things as a United fan at the moment? What’s the story of your season so far? Is it all about pre and post CR7?
From Balon D’Or to Wegh’Orst. It would be inconceivable in recent times to think that a Burnley “flop” is an upgrade on Cristiano. But he probably is. The CR7 brand was toxic. Ten Hag wants team players in their prime years that will follow tactical instruction.
I’ve been to the ground quite a lot. The atmosphere has been good, and that includes the protests against the Glazers’ ownership.
The victory against City at the weekend felt great. We also beat Arsenal in September. Whether we can find an ultra-consistent run of form… I’m not so sure.
Q – So things are feeling good, with that being said what’s the current realistic ambition – top 4, belated title challenge???
If we don’t come good at lighting speed, I’m in the slightly strange position of rooting for Arsenal this year. It would be welcome for someone to break the grip that Liverpool and City have held on the Premier League trophy in recent years. We’re fourth currently, and I think holding onto that feels about right. Our Europa League game against Barcelona in February will also be a useful milestone to gauge progress. A title challenge is a realistic ambition next season.
Q – Who’s been your player of the season so far? Who might be a difference maker in part 2 of the season?
So far, Martinez. His aggression and enthusiasm is infectious. He is hungry to win things and won’t stop with the World Cup, either. He hasn’t been integrated back into the side immediately though – not sure if this is due to Shaw’s form at centre back or because he has an extended hangover…
For part two, we need Marcus Rashford MBE to maintain his confidence and keep the goal-scoring run alive. Shout-out to Casemiro who is mesmerising and is my favourite player to watch.
Q – How do you think the World Cup break is affecting you/will affect the rest of your season?
United had 13 or 14 players at the World Cup. (I think it depends on whether Ronaldo is included or not). Martinez and Varane were in the final. Only City were impacted more. So I think the World Cup will have had a sizable effect on fitness levels and mental fatigue, and it may not be realised entirely until the final run-in. I am expecting us to drop off the pace in March or something, I fear.
Q – Can we have AWB back?
No. A club needs strength-in-depth, in any year. But as above, the World Cup makes it more essential than ever. Diego Dalot might be the preferred choice. But he is only 23 years old, and he was injured against Charlton on Tuesday last week. Wan-Bissaka is a great option. He was integral in build up play to a goal at the weekend. And as you know, he has some seriously impressive defensive skills in one-on-one situations.
TEB – Since boxing day United have only conceded two goals in league and cup, and one of them when was AWB wasn’t playing. Coincidence?
Q – If you had a Magic wand – who would you be getting in this window?
Haaland, Mbappe, and Courtois would be useful. The reality is that there is no money for January options. Can I wave the wand to get new owners?
TEB – Not sure discussion on owners is going to get us too far.
Q. What’s your perspective on Palace from the season so far?
I have fond memories of previous trips to Selhurst Park, and I loved watching the Palace documentary on Amazon, but I can’t pretend that I’ve followed the 2022/23 season closely. It’s very hard for me to find much affection for Patrick Vieira, given the history we have with him.
From afar, I might venture… I hope you keep Zaha and he does well. It looks like you’ve lost 4 out of 5 in the Prem? Does Schlupp have a best position?
TEB – Yes. Left back.
Q – Where do you think the match will be won and lost?
Our last three matches have been 1-0 or 0-0, right? But I don’t predict another tight affair, sorry. I think we’ll win the game soundly, with a strong defensive display and another Rashford winner.
TEB – Having watched our last three home games, I can’t disagree with you. Sadly.
Q – Anything else?
You should be exploring a loan deal from us for Facundo Pellistri. Could be another Conor Gallagher situation for you!
TEB – Cheers dan. Paging Dougie!
