As Gylfi Sigurdsson’s cushioned volley crept its way past a flapping David De Gea at the Scoreboard End on Saturday, the harrowing memories of the season gone by were back to haunt the Old Trafford faithful. Suddenly, the United fans, who had found their voice after Wayne Rooney’s emphatic equalizer early into the second half were plunged into a deafening silence. Meanwhile on the United bench, Louis Van Gaal sat and watched. His brow furrowed, and a sense of helplessness written large on his face.
The man sitting next to Ryan Giggs in the United dugout may have changed, but it was the same United we saw last season. Battered and bruised from a tumultuous campaign under David Moyes, the appointment of Louis Van Gaal was seen as a new beginning for United. But, on Saturday, United produced another wretched display, reminiscent of last season. Sloppy in defence and toothless in attack, United slumped to a first home defeat on the opening day of the season in 42 years. The Manchester United of old would have clawed its way back from a 2-1 deficit against an average Swansea City team. But, like we saw last season, ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, the Red Devils seem to have lost their appetite for a fight.
Before the new Premier League season got underway, most experts had written off United for a top four finish. And now we know exactly why. United struggled to adapt to Van Gaal’s 3-4-1-2 formation, a far cry from the 4-4-2 employed by David Moyes last season. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones often found themselves out of position in a rejigged back three, which became a back four later in the game. An over dependence on the two wing backs meant that United often found itself bare at the back. The midfield trio of Darren Fletcher, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata failed to provide the creativity needed upfront. United simply do not possess the talent or the personnel to contend for the title. If they are to escape another embarrassing campaign, then Van Gaal must spend big in the transfer market. A couple of quality, world class players are the need of the hour.
The other big guns also put in laclkustre shows, but churned out wins. Arsenal left it late against Crystal Palace, with Aaron Ramsey grabbing a late winner for the Gunners. Arsenal failed to break down Palace in open play, with two set pieces coming to their rescue. New boy Alexis Sanchez failed to make a mark on his Premier League debut, as the Chilean was woefully off his radar. But, Arsene Wenger will take an important three points. With the Frenchman making a splurge in the transfer market this season , Arsenal will definitely challenge for the title, but may just come up short yet again.
Liverpool officially began life without Luis Suarez against Southampton at Anfield on Sunday. For a major part of the game, the Reds lacked the zip to unlock a surprisingly well drilled Saints side. It was Daniel Sturridge, Suarez’s partner-in-crime last season who tucked in a late winner. Brendan Rodgers’ team will have a hard time replicating the overwhelming success of last season. With the departure of their talisman, the likes of Raheem Sterling and Phillipe Coutinho will have a chance to establish themselves as truly world class players this season. Rodgers has spent a lot of money on reinforcements, with Lazar Markovic, Emre Can and Alberto Moreno all joining the Merseysiders. It would be interesting to see whether Liverpool can once again produce the brand of swift, eye-catching football they did last year.
The two big favourites for the Premier League crown, Manchester City and Chelsea kicked off their campaign with convincing wins. While City strolled to a 2-0 win against Newcastle, a rampant Chelsea beat new boys Burnley 3-1. On paper at least, it is difficult to look beyond Jose Mourinho’s side for the title. City will provide stiff resistance to the Londoners, but it seems that Mourinho has most bases covered. The arrival of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa has given Chelsea much needed potency upfront. Mourinho cringed over the lack of a quality striker last year. Now, he would be hoping that his new $53 million signing can help Chelsea secure the title. Undoubtedly, City, Chelsea and Arsenal will be in the title mix this season. But, this is the Premier League, where an upset is never far away. So prepare yourselves to get surprised.
