Manchester United and manager Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run came to an end at St. James’ Park following a 2-1 defeat against ten-man Newcastle United. While that defeat came as a shock to many and was certainly disappointing, all is not lost, with Champions League qualification still in the club’s hands.
United Can Make A Statement Next Time Out
At the time of writing, Manchester United are sitting 3rd in the Premier League table on 51 points after 29 games played, with Aston Villa 4th due to an inferior goal difference. While Chelsea and Liverpool, who are 5th and 6th respectively, are within striking distance as they’re both on 48 points, Villa are United’s immediate rivals.
United host Villa at Old Trafford next time out, and this not only represents a chance to respond after the Newcastle defeat, but also an opportunity to make a statement against the side they’re battling it out with at present. Football betting odds online has United installed as favourites, and with Villa badly out of form, winning one in six, it’s easy to see why.
Overcoming Adversity Is A Trait
You can look at the results United have picked up since Michael Carrick became the club’s interim manager until the end of the season and believe it’s been plain sailing, but that’s far from the case. It’s in United’s DNA to overcome adversity, and that’s something that has come to the fore since mid-January.
There have been multiple occasions where United have been down in games or have been leading and then a team has equalised, but they’ve found a way to overcome these obstacles. Fulham levelled late at Old Trafford, but United scored in injury time to win the game. West Ham were leading for a long stretch, but United equalised in the dying embers to draw 1-1. Overcoming adversity, being able to right wrongs and keep believing after setbacks is a trait United have. So, bouncing back after the Newcastle reverse, while it will be hailed, won’t be surprising.
Qualifying For The Champions League Is All That Matters
When Michael Carrick was appointed, the target given to him by the club’s hierarchy would simply have been to make sure United are playing Champions League football next season. Playing in Europe’s leading club competition is vital for United, not only because of how financially rewarding it is, but because a club like Manchester United, one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world, belongs in the competition.
It’s a straightforward target for Carrick and his staff to set about getting the team to achieve, and one that you’d say is highly achievable based on recent results and current league standings. United are currently embroiled in a four-team battle for three places with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool. They’re currently leading that battle, and while United lost to Newcastle, the likes of Villa and Liverpool aren’t in inspiring form.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to overreact after a bad result or poor performance, especially when you’re talking about a club the size of Manchester United.
And, while nobody likes to lose, especially in the manner United did at St. James’ Park, the reality is Champions League qualification is still in the club’s hands, and they’re still sitting pretty in third. United are in control of their own destiny, and if they beat Villa, they’d take another giant stride towards returning to Europe’s biggest stage.
