Defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium was a bitter pill to swallow, all but ending any hopes that Manchester United can challenge for the Premier League title, yet all is not lost insofar as the 2022-23 campaign is concerned. The chance to bounce back and focus attention elsewhere, offers the continued opportunity to win silverware this season.
Keeping the positive momentum going was always going to be challenging, especially amidst a tightly packed run of games through January, with little breathing space between fixtures. This has undoubtedly impacted the Red Devils, who looked jaded and prone to mistakes against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, conceding last-minute goals in both games.
Image by Jakub Mularski from Pixabay
January was always going to be make or break for United, still competing in four competitions, yet such are the demands of a team chasing silverware. But having lost such a crucial game against Arsenal, the points gap in the Premier League tables now looks insurmountable. However, finishing in the top four will remain one of the key priorities, as the team looks to clinch one of the Champions League spots.
Focus must now turn elsewhere
Following an excellent run of 10 games unbeaten in all competitions, and just one loss in 20 games overall, enthusiasm was inevitably growing around the team led by Erik ten Hag. Despite the bumpy beginning to the 2022-23 season, the Dutchman has brought the best out of this team, vastly improving the quality of individual and collective performances.
Nevertheless, while the Premier League title remains out of reach, domestic and continental honours do remain possible, beginning with two EFL Cup semi-final encounters against Nottingham Forest. Although this competition is often considered to be a lesser priority, lifting the trophy this year cannot be sniffed at, especially with United now considered favourites.
🔥 A goal every 49 minutes for @MarcusRashford so far in this year's #CarabaoCup#EFL | @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/9RDAUaoMcB
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 17, 2023
Restoring the love affair with the FA Cup should also be a priority, given that up until recent years, Manchester United were the most successful team. That honour now belongs to Arsenal, who have won club football’s oldest competition 14 times, compared to the 12 triumphs enjoyed by the Red Devils over the years.
Ten Hag will certainly be keen to make continental progress, ahead of the mouth-watering duels against Barcelona scheduled in February, offering the prospect of making it into the Round of 16. Beating the Spanish giants will be far from easy, who now lead in LaLiga, but the reward for this play-off tie is the chance to reach the Round of 16.
Opportunity to win three competitions
Intriguingly, having now gone five straight seasons empty-handed, the most recent cup success came during the 2016-17 campaign under Jose Mourinho. Despite being unable to guide his team towards the Premier League crown, he did achieve a memorable treble, winning the EFL Cup, FA Cup, and the UEFA Europa League titles.
While the chances of repeating that feat may be slender, oddsmakers are increasingly positive about United’s prospects in each individual competition. However, before slapping down bets on any prices just yet, compare the best football betting sites for competitive odds and promotions, along with reading reviews covering trust and reputation.
Losing today was horrible.
But it’s our first loss in 11 games.
We’ve come such a long way under Erik ten Hag, and we’re only 7 months into the rebuild.
Back the manager. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Linqw9wpqW— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) January 22, 2023
And when it comes to reputation, United will certainly be putting theirs on the line, hopeful Ten Hag will complete his debut campaign with something in the trophy cabinet. While the 2022-23 season may have initially been regarded as one of transition, during which the Dutchman would gradually rebuild the team, he will certainly be looking for instant success.
Manchester United are current tipped as outright favourites to win the EFL Cup, with prices ranging from 1.83 to 1.94 at leading bookmakers. Noisy neighbours Manchester City are valued as FA Cup favourites, although the Red Devils are seen as key challengers, valued between 5.50 and 5.60 when comparing sites. Arsenal are Europa League favourites right now, yet both United and Barcelona are next, making their February clash all the more interesting.
