Manchester United must win their match on Saturday in order to keep their Champion’s League hopes alive. Manchester United travel to the Emirates this weekend in what is a pivotal encounter for both sides in order to keep their top-four hopes alive. While Tottenham Hotspur seem to be in the best position out of the three sides competing for the fourth spot, the inconsistency of Spurs, Arsenal and United mean the race for top-four will go down to the wire. It must be said this is one of the worst top four races in recent history as each side has dropped numerous points this season.
Manchester United Must Win on Saturday
Response Required After Anfield Drubbing
Tuesday night was horrific for United as they were hammered by their fiercest rivals in Liverpool. While Jurgen Klopp’s side is an incredible outfit, it was made too easy for them, and responsibility lies with the United players completely. One would have to go back to the 1980s to remember when United would travel to Anfield being the inferior side, with Liverpool dominating English football at the time. Passion, effort and determination was shown in those days by the likes of Bryan Robson where the pride of the club was kept intact. The away fans would not feel that the players gave up or did not apply themselves.
The complete opposite was displayed by this group of players on Tuesday night. A lack of passion, effort and determination forced many of the travelling supporters to leave the ground way before full-time.
Harry Maguire was vocal before the game in an interview as he answered his critics by stating if he was playing badly, the two managers who have been at the club this season would not have selected him. He also mentioned that the idea of beating or taking points off Liverpool which would hurt their hopes of a quadruple did not motivate him. This was followed up with an abysmal performance which included an unforgivable mistake where he played a suicide pass to Hannibal Mjebri (the academy graduate who came on and showed more desire than the rest of them), which led to the fourth goal. A lack of accountability from Maguire makes it extremely difficult for fans to find sympathy for him.
An immediate response is required from the side because the performance at Anfield was nothing short of a disgrace.
Win at Chelsea Gives Arsenal Hope
In what was a torrid run of form leading up to the game, Arsenal picked up three vital points last night at Stamford Bridge as they put four past their London rivals. Eddie Nketiah who has been subjected to heavy criticism from Arsenal fans had a tremendous night as he scored a brace. Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka both scored to seal the win.
This also demonstrates and emphasizes the inconsistency of these sides. Arsenal lost four of their last five games heading into last night and Chelsea were seen as the obvious favourites. The injuries to Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey have been detrimental to them in the games prior to last night but it was a brilliant performance away from home and Mikel Arteta will be delighted. If they beat United on Saturday, they will be favourites for top four alongside Spurs. United are in need of the three points more as they require this to merely stay in the hunt.
Manchester United Must Win Main Photo:
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on January 03, 2022, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
