SINGAPORE - Alarm bells might have rung at Old Trafford after Manchester United's 2-0 loss to cross-town rivals City on Wednesday (April 24), with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer supposedly summoned to a crisis meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
But former United player Wes Brown saw a glimmer of hope in the loss, one that could spark a reversal of fortunes that will - with a bit of luck - propel the Red Devils to a top-four finish this season.
"City have been the best team in the league over the last two years and they could not ease up on any games as well, and I felt we did well in the first half," said the 39-year-old former defender.
"We kept the ball well, pressed a bit... then City came out in the second half and scored two goals; I am sure David (de Gea) will be disappointed, especially with the second goal, but mistakes do happen."
United are currently in sixth place on 64 points, two behind Arsenal and three behind Chelsea, and with an inferior goal difference to both sides. There are three games to go this season, with the Red Devils facing the Blues in a must-win game on Sunday.
"The fourth spot is still alive, I reckon," added Brown, who will be watching the game with local United fans at the Clarke Quay Fountain Square at the Football Moments event, presented by Chang Beer and organised by Singtel Media.
"We have to win all our games from now and hope there's a fall somewhere else. It's all about creating our own chances, and getting a bit of luck on our side."
Â
Â
Â
Â
Like United, Chelsea and Arsenal have blown hot and cold at the business end of the season.
Chelsea have won just three of their last seven Premier League games, dropping points at home to the likes of Wolves and Burnley, while Arsenal have lost three of their last four league games.
United themselves have lost four of their last six league games, a dip in form which coincided with Solskjaer being made permanent manager on March 28. Before that, the Red Devils were unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions after the Norweigian was appointed interim manager following Jose Mourinho's sacking last December.
When asked what he felt had gone wrong, Brown, who played alongside Solskjaer in United's legendary treble-winning side of 1999, said: "I wish I could tell you!
"There's obviously been a drop in confidence from somewhere, but I know from my playing days that when that happens, you just have to work harder as a team and pull it out from somewhere."
The former England international added that, regardless of whether or not United qualify for next season's Champions League, having the right players at the club next season will be crucial.
There has been speculation over the futures of goalkeeper De Gea, record signing Paul Pogba and misfiring striker Romelu Lukaku in recent weeks, to name a few.
Said Brown: "It's not like you can get rid of seven or eight players and bring in the same number of top quality players in one summer. It'll take a period of time.
"But I'm sure Ole has got players in mind he wants to sign, and I'm sure he wants them in early. He knows what he needs.
"For example, after (the 4-0 loss at) Everton he talked about wanting more running, wanting people to be fitter.
"Ole's watching and seeing everyday in training, and he understands who has been giving it their all and who hasn't."
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford they are 'vital' to the club's future amid strong interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. Solskjaer was
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba 'vital' to United, says Ole
Liverpool will spend Christmas on top of the Premier League after goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earned them a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday, opening up a four-point lead over second
Liverpool seal Christmas top spot as Salah, Dijk sink Wolves
Ryan Giggs has responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's criticism of the "Class of 92" by insisting players with "over 2,000 games between us" are entitled to have an opinion.
Ryan Giggs hits back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Class of '92
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen will see a neurologist on Thursday after suffering a horrific head injury during his side's Champions League semi-final defeat against Ajax.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen to see neurologist
Barcelona and Real Madrid played to a tense, spirited draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, with younger talents rising to the occasion in place of established stars and the
Barca boss Valverde sweating over injured stars - SA Breaking
Lionel Messi, the current Ballon d'Or, saw the football world fall in love with him last season, but this year has left many speechless. His genius is so great that he has become a hero, and
Van Dijk, Messi & Ronaldo lead Champions League Team of the
Apr 17, 2019 · Tottenham stuns Man City to reach Champions League semis. Fernando Llorente sent Tottenham into its first European Cup semifinal in 57 years by ending Manchester City's quadruple hopes on a
Football: Tottenham take revenge on Arsenal to reach League
Football: Jurgen Klopp fires up Liverpool with 'It's only pain' motto, Pep Guardiola urges City to 'be precise' 0:0 Comments Swimming: Toh Wei Soong finds inner strength to win first gold medal for Singapore at World Series 0:0 Comments Tennis: Halep beats Bencic to reach fourth Madrid Open final 0:0 Comments
Stefanos Tsitsipas stays perfect at ATP Next Gen Finals in
sportstoft.com/tennis/stefanos-tsitsipas-stays-perfect-at-atp-next-gen-finals-in-milan/
Stefanos Tsitsipas won the battle of the big guns as the Greek superstar proved too good for Frances Tiafoe to stay unbeaten at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Milan.
Champions League final: Jurgen Klopp reveals Pep Guardiola
Let alone after playing the Citizens in that Wednesday clash. Spurs sit third in the league and are on course to qualify for the Champions League, while City can put all their energy into the
'A tragic case': Grandparents clash in fight over Andreen
Manchester - Pep Guardiola says Manchester City and Liverpool have raised the bar in what is required to win a Premier League title after a blockbuster campaign by both teams. If both sides win
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola explains why his side must
Martial and Lingard both limped off during the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday and are set to miss the FA Cup fifth round tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday and the Premier League clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford six days later.
Man Utd's Martial, Lingard to miss Chelsea, Liverpool matches
Find Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City result on Yahoo Sports. View full match commentary including video highlights, news, team line-ups, player ratings, stats and more.
Football Live Scoring: Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar