Man United are improving in the Premier League after a stuttering start to the season. They have been able to grind some positive results together in other competitions – the Europa League and EFL Cup.
But they have not replicated that form in the league. A run of consecutive losses and draws dating back to September made it difficult for them to remain competitive as the title race gets tougher.
Jose Mourinho has come up with different formations and line-ups to make things work out well but the result has not been encouraging.
However, three consecutive victories recently have boosted them as the moved to within fours of Champions League places. Mourinho’s men ended a run of four home draw with win over Tottenham and followed it up with wins over Crystal Palace and West Brom.
That being said, we take a look at what could have been responsible for their resurgence.
Firstly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is scoring again. Though not the only striker of the club but obviously he is being depended upon to lead the attack. Their inability to convert their chances has been one of their biggest problems. After scoring five in his first five games, the Swedish striker went blank, scoring just once in 11 appearances. He spurned eight clear chances during that period- more than any other player in the league- as they lost to Man City, Watford and drew Liverpool, Stoke, Burnley and West Ham. He has rediscover his scoring form and has netted 10 times in nine games.
Also it appears Mourinho has found that system that fits Paul Pogba perfectly. He has been deployed in different role since joining from Juventus this summer which did not really yield and fruitful but he is now thriving at the left of the midfield three, the same position he held at Juventus. In his lat three games he has had more touches than any of his teammates. He assisted and scored in United’s 2-1 win over Palace.
And thirdly, Michael Carrick has showed experience cannot be bought. Since his introduction to the team, he has been an important figure, especially in the midfield, giving Pogba the opportunity to add flair to the attack. United have won 12 games which Carrick has started this season with 83 per cent winning rate. He has been providing a shield for United’s back four.
Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones have also resurrected and have conceded just a goal since they formed the middle of the back at the start of November.
It is expected that they continue their resurgence.