Will Man Utd Make the Top 4?
Description: Man Utd did not start the season well but will their new signings secure them a top 4 spot in the EPL? Let’s find out!
Man Utd started their EPL 2022/2023 season with a 1-2 loss to Brighton. Despite dominating the possession (63% vs 37%) Man Utd allowed Brighton 15 shots with 4 shots on target. They made numerous errors in the back and did not look like a top 4 EPL team.
In Brighton’s first goal Welbeck exposed Man Utd’s slow defenders and sent a well-weighted cross to a wide-open Pascal Gross who tapped the ball in. There were absolutely no Man Utd defenders near him.
In Brighton’s second goal Solly March was giving too much space on the left edge of the box and showed some nice footwork to take the ball into the box and unleash a solid shot. The ball was saved but landed in Pascal Gross’ lap who again tapped the ball in for an easy goal.
The fact that Man Utd gave such soft goals against teams like Brighton and Brentford is not a good sign. However, it was only the first and second games of the season. You can’t predict the outcome of a campaign based on just two matches.
Man Utd may have lost to the likes of Brighton and Brentford; they are also the only EPL team to beat Arsenal. Their performance against the Gunners was very impressive and there was nothing Arteta could do to get his players in the fight. Antony on his debut scored a lovely goal. The Brazilian player didn’t even need a touch as he guided past the Arsenal keeper with his left foot.
The goals didn’t stop coming as Marcus Rashford scored twice in the second half to end Arsenal’s chance of a comeback. If Man Utd plays like then they have red-hot favorites to secure a top 4 spot.
Man Utd also defeated Liverpool. Liverpool is not nearly as good as they were last year but they are still a very dangerous team and even have a win over Man City this season. In the first goal, Sancho showed some nifty footwork in the box before guiding the ball into the bottom left corner. Then Rashford received a great through ball and made no mistake with the finish.
Man Utd’s ability to beat world-class EPL teams has been impressive and could be the difference between them getting that coveted top 4 spot and their rivals just missing out.
Liverpool looks like a completely different team compared to last year. Jurgen Klopp’s side is sitting in 9th position with 4 losses and 4 draws. Their chances of making the top 4 are shrinking every week and unless they change something soon they will be out of the race. This is great news for Man Utd as Liverpool is one of their biggest rivals and without them performing well getting into the top 4 becomes that much easier.
Chelsea has been very consistent. The west London side is currently just 2 points behind Man Utd and they have also suffered 3 losses. Chelsea is far from guaranteed a top 4 spot this season and is going to have to fight very hard for it. They don’t look nearly as strong as they typically look and if you compare the lineups Man Utd has more talent on the pitch.
Man Utd has spent big on bringing in some serious talent to ensure they can compete with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man City. They appear to have made some smart buys!
Christen Eriksen looks truly world-class. He has immediately added structure to Man Utd’s midfield and looks like a natural on-field general. The Dane also has some of the best crosses in the EPL and is a skilled playmaker.
Antony is another Brazilian superstar striking in the maker. He is fast, powerful, and has a healthy dose of flair. He has instantly made Man Utd’s attack far more dangerous and we expect him to score lots of goals this season.
Man Utd also bought Casemiro, another Brazilian from Real Madrid for over $60 million. The 30-year-old defensive midfielder is an extremely aggressive and hard worker. EPL teams will struggle to set up their attacks with Casemiro constantly hounding them.
Man Utd has a strong chance of making the top 4. They have shown they can beat the best teams in the EPL. And thanks to some key new signings including Antony and Christen Eriksen they have the talent to be a top 4 side in the EPL. We predict the EPL ladder will finish with Man City at the top, Arsenal in second place, Man Utd in 3rd, and then Tottenham in 4th. Liverpool and Chelsea will both miss out.
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