For Manchester United, with the league schedule already halfway through, they can still only fight for the top four, which is hardly an ideal situation. Judging by their performances so far this season, the problems of this Manchester United team are all-encompassing. Under the two managers, none of the United players showed signs of getting back on track. Whether it is from the overall technical and tactical level of the team, or from the perspective of the morale of the players, Manchester United's prospects this season are not optimistic. If they are still so muddy in the remaining dozen rounds of games and miss out on the top four after the end of the season, it will have a very big adverse impact on the team's economic income and brand influence.
Judging from the games in the coming period, Manchester United will have a very tough schedule. They need to play 6 games over a period of 17 days, with an average of 2.83 days for one game. Such a density of games will undoubtedly be quite difficult for the veterans in manchester United. Especially for Ronaldo, 37, Cavani, 34, and Nemanja Matic, 33, their physical condition is almost impossible to support them to play continuously. In this case, head coach Ronnick needs to carry out a proper rotation, while ensuring the physical fitness of the main players, but also giving the substitute players some opportunities to play, helping them find their form, in order to bring more help to the team in the second half of the season. Take Lingard, for example. After the winter break, although the relationship with the team is not ideal, Lingard certainly hopes to get some opportunities to maximize the competitive state. For United, a well-formed Jesse Lingard can be a qualified rotation player on the team's front line.
Another example is Pogba. For a long time in the middle of the season, Pogba had few opportunities to play due to injuries, suspensions and poor form. However, in the last game, when Fred was absent, Pogba started with McTominay and performed very well. His passing schedule at the back and his ability to master the rhythm of the game remain world-class. In this respect, the gap between Fred and Scott McTominay, including Nemanja Matic, and Pogba is visible to the naked eye. Pogba still needs to improve the enthusiasm of the game, as well as the sense of responsibility in the defense, and control the emotions in the game. If Pogba can improve on these points, he will play a very big role in Lonnick's tactical system. United will also be hoping for a big boost in the battle for the top four.
However, United also have some not-so-good news, that is, Fred and Tres will be absent for a long time due to injury. For Fred, although he was in a slump at the beginning of the season, it almost became the biggest shortcoming in the team's lineup, but as the season progressed, when he was no longer fixed in the defensive back position, he used his excellent running ability to plan in the midfield and press high in defense, and his performance improved significantly. In the last 5 games in all competitions, Fred has contributed 3 assists. Tres has also played quite well this season, with the Portugal international already making nine league appearances after replacing Luke Shaw as the starting left-back, averaging 7.03 points per game, and is second among all the players in the team who have played more than five games. Therefore, the absence of these two players still has a considerable impact on the overall strength of Manchester United.
With the transfer window over and the team unable to continue signing new players until the end of the season, Ronnick had to tap into the potential of existing players. However, due to the team's performance this season is far from meeting expectations, after the end of the season, the team is bound to adjust the squad structure. Especially in the key position of defensive back, the team's reinforcements are imperative. According to transfer expert Dawson, as Rice's transfer fee is likely to exceed £100 million, United are also focusing on other targets, such as Leeds United's midfield core Calvin Phillips. This season, the 26-year-old England international has been consistent, averaging 2.3 steals and 9.8 returns per game, making him one of the most defensively efficient top backs in the league. On the transfer market, he is worth 40 million euros. Calvin Phillips is undoubtedly better value for money than Rice.
In addition, the future of the 26-year-old Pereira has also been settled. The midfielder has played in the League 1 on loan this season, making 18 appearances, contributing five goals and one assist, and his performance has been recognized. According to transfer expert Romano, Flamenco has officially bought out Pereira. United received a transfer fee of €10.5 million. If Pereira moves in the future, United will also receive 25% of the transfer fee. (The picture comes from the Internet, if there is infringement, please contact to delete)