By Kyle Butler
Having come off the back of a disappointing 21/22 season, finishing in 6th place, Manchester United hoped the up-and-coming season would be different. With the interim manager, Ralf Rangnick’s contract expiring and new manager Erik Ten Hag beginning his tenure, United fans were hopeful that the trophyless seasons would finally be over.
The Reds started the summer with their pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand, where they took on arch-rivals Liverpool. United came out with a 4-0 victory, followed up by two more wins against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace. The Red Devils impressive unbeaten streak continued against Aston Villa where they shared points in a 2-2 draw. Their run of games without defeat ended following a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. Pre-season ended following a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano and United now hoped to continue this good run of form in the Premier League
Manchester United started their Premier League campaign on Sunday, August 7th, hoping to build an early lead in points, but lost 2-1 to Brighton. This loss was followed by a 4-0 thrashing away to Brentford. United soon began to pick up the pace, however, starting with a 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool, followed by three consecutive wins against Southampton, Leicester, and Arsenal
The Red Devils lost their opening game in the Europa League to La Liga team, Real Sociedad, but bounced back with a 2-0 win against Sheriff Tiraspol. Erik Ten Hag’s team started off October with a 6-3 thumping from cross-city opponents Manchester City but then went unbeaten for nine games, winning seven and drawing twice.
With three games left before the winter break for the World Cup, the Reds hoped to keep up their winning streak against Aston Villa only to suffer a shock 3-1 defeat, their first in over a month. Following this shock loss, United faced Villa once again in the Carabao Cup where they showed their class with a 4-2 victory to send them to round 4. (good line)
Next up was Fulham away, who would prove to be a formidable threat, especially with the form they have been in since they returned to the top flight. Without their top-scorer Mitrovic though, United hoped to pounce on the opportunity. After going ahead in the 14th minute, courtesy of Christian Eriksen’s first goal for his new club, the Devils hoped to see out the win. Former United man Daniel James equalised in the Second half to bring the game level. United continued to look for a second goal to win the game and it came in the 93rd minute, courtesy of a first premier league goal for 18 year old forward, Alejandro Garnacho.
With the World Cup starting soon, Manchester United now have a month break from club football and will regroup just before Christmas to restart their season.
Meath South East News 