United have only played 3 games this season and already find themselves looking to chase points behind the likes of Liverpool and Man City. Fans are clearly growing tired of Mourinho’s negative tactics and the fact he bullies his players through the media, and it’s already looking like it’s going to be a long season. However, on paper, United have a couple of easier upcoming fixtures and they could bounce back and get their season firmly on track. Their next game is against Burnley and, although Turf Moor is a hard place to walk away with 3 points from, it’s still a fixture the Red Devils will be confident of winning.
The Stats Don’t Lie
Burnley have frustrated United over the years but the fact they’ve only beaten the Red Devils on one occasion in the last 10 meetings would suggest this is a fixture well in the Red’s favour. The hosts do have the advantage of having their home crowd behind them, but the attacking ability Jose Mourinho has at his disposal could prove too strong. Burnley will be looking at how Brighton walked all over United a couple of games back, and they will almost certainly be capable of putting the ball in the back of the net thanks to United’s current defensive issues. However, should Mourinho get his defensive tactics spot on, Burnley could well find themselves on the back foot for 90 minutes. OddsWizz is a good place to start if you’re looking for more information on both sides’ attacking/defensive abilities. They have extensive information on how to use statistics to make your own predictions and bet on the outcomes which you think will be most valuable.
Pogba Could Prove Key Once Again
Paul Pogba has had his problems with Mourinho (who hasn’t?) since arriving at Old Trafford, and even fans have questioned his price tag. Regardless of some of Pogba’s performances last season, though, he has still shown how he can control games and turn on his class with a flick of a switch. Paul could prove to be the key player in this match, and Mourinho will look to have him in the middle controlling play with Fred by his side. Burnley’s middle two in Hendrick and Cork are no pushovers, but if Pogba is at the top of his game, they will have problems trying to keep possession and getting the ball forward.
A Win at Turf Moor Gifts United Hope
If the Red Devils can come away with all 3 points at the weekend, they will have an excellent chance of getting some points in the bag over their next 4 games, where they will meet Watford, Wolves, West Ham and Newcastle respectively – all games United will be confident of taking maximum points from. Beating Burnley could be a huge confidence boost and it could give Jose another chance to test out his tactics for the many games ahead.
Are United Title Contenders?
If you look solely at recent performances of key players you would have to count United out as title contenders. Why? Because the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City look much stronger, and they all have managers who are fully behind their players. If Mourinho becomes hungry for success once again, there’s nothing to say United can’t do battle for second spot, although that would be the very least us United fans expect this season.
Looking at City, Liverpool and Chelsea already this season, United really do have their work cut out if they are going to be serious contenders for the title. If Mourinho can change his attitude and get the players in good spirits, however, then there’s always hope for United’s campaign.
