Manchester United's haul of ten points in 5 league matches is much better than at this stage in the 2014/2015 season. By this stage last season, Louis Van Gaal's men were still reeling from the pain of blowing two goal leads (2-0, 3-1) to lose by a 2-0 deficit against Leicester City (5-3). An outcome that greatly impacted on the conservative way the Reds approached games afterwards. A year later we are celebrating an important win against old rivals, Liverpool (that's if they deserve to be called rivals). The likes of Fletcher, Blackett, Hernandez, Di Maria, who have since departed from the club played a prominent role in the 5 points the club obtained from its first five games. Another player conspicuously missing was the 2014/2015 Premier League best goalkeeper, David De Gea, who miraculously is still at the club. The Spanish goalkeeper was on the brink of joining Real Madrid on deadline day before late submission of the transfer paperwork scuppered the deal. He has since extended his stay at Old Trafford paving the path for him to feature in the Liverpool game.
Have the Red Devils improved this season? Certainly, the points build-up seems to agree. After all, there is a general phrase that goes like "it's the three points that matters." But no fan would like to sit on tenterhooks throughout a match and watch his team do a "classic smash and grab". That's why every department of the team needs to be accessed and compared to last season to see whether there are improvements. Let's break the stats down
In 450 minutes of football last season, United had already conceded 8 goals (2.7 times the total they have conceded this season). The Red Devils have kept 3 clean-sheets in 5 games (compared to the two they kept last season in the same amount of games). Time and again in 2014/15, David De Gea called upon to rescue United following costly blunders made by the defenders in front of him. This season, however, defensive errors seem to have taken a hit. A total of 7 errors with 2 leading to goals was conceded last season as compared to the 3 errors conceded this season. On top of that, Romero has had to make an average of 1.8 saves compared to De Gea's average (2.8) last season. Clearly, the stats proved before all reasonable doubts that the defense have improved. The quartet of Darmian, Smalling, Blind and Luke Shaw have been impressive.
Smalling's game has tremendously improved contrary to the opinions of the connoisseurs who thought his United career was over after his rather unnecessary sending off against Manchester City last season. His aerial play has improved (won 17/24 aerial duels) as well as his reading of the game. It's no wonder that he has more interceptions per minute (13) than Kompany and John Terry. The English international's partnership with Daley Blind seems to be burgeoning. I remember the severe backlash from even the United faithfuls when the Dutch international was chosen by Van Gaal to partner Chris Smalling. But in 5 games, Blind has acquitted himself well. He has compensated for his lack of upper body strength with his supreme reading of the game (9 tackles and 10 interceptions in 5 games) and excellent passing accuracy (90.1%).
The fullbacks, Darmian and Shaw, have also combined defense and attack brilliantly. They have provided width on the both flanks, especially when Mata and Depay drift inside (6 accurate crosses and 7 key passes) without putting a foot wrong in their defensive duties (28 tackles and 3 interceptions). It's been long since the club had a solid full-back pair than the one's we see today. The defense in conclusion has ensured that our results don't suffer despite the lack of goals.
The attacking potential of the team, however, seems to have taken a downward trend. We haven’t looked very dangerous offensively at all in the league. Many would say 6 goals in 5 league games is not so bad. A look at the premier league table, however, Manchester United rank 13th in the Premier League for the number of goals scored (6). Only three sides, Newcastle, Watford and Liverpool, have fewer. Last year by this time, the Reds had scored 9 goals. That's 1.5 times greater the output seen this season. The amount of chances created has also taken a dip, we created 4 more chances last season. It's fair to say the attack has regressed. Of the regular front 3, only Mata has contributed significantly to goal (2 assists and a goal). Rooney and Memphis on the other hand, have contributed nothing significant to the attack this season (0 goals, 0 assists)
The attack seems to lack two vital things, tempo and a clinical figure head. This may be due to the lack of freedom and the possession football employed by Van Gaal's system. The system's "love" for possession seems to be blunting creativity, it doesn't spur the players on to be daring enough. A typical example, could be seen especially when the wingers get the ball in advance positions. Instead of taking on their markers, they tend to play side-ways or backwards passes potentially signifying the fear of losing possession. Let's hope the signing of Martial (who already has a goal) would add a little bite to the attack considering his pace.
The central midfield has been immense this year, especially in providing support for the defense and helping in the general coordination of team play. The likes of Schneiderlin, Carrick and Schweinsteiger have made a successful tackle and interception every 1.3 minutes. Providing an extended shield in front of the back four
Putting everything together, United are difficult to score against, and with the return of David De Gea, that task should be made harder. The possession football adds to the belief that the defenders can maintain the impressive start and provide a solid foundation for future success. As it stands now, the defense and midfield look good, however the attack for now looks inadequate to challenge for titles. I must point out that maybe it's too early to judge the likes of Rooney, Depay and Mata.
I also think the fans should back Van Gaal to continue to deliver good results for this club. There is too much negativity surrounding the coach and his selections. After all, it is this same gaffer who took this team that placed 7th to the champions league in one season. I will end by adding that Van Gaal should be judged at the end of the season, for now all we can do is to support him.
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