Will Manchester United finish the season on a high?
After winning last year's Europa League and qualifying for Champions League, expectations were high at Old Trafford. Manchester United started off on a promising note and equalled the club record by remaining unbeaten for 40 straight games at home. The form led to the best ever start since the departure of Alex Ferguson and equalled a unique 51-year old record.
Historically, United’s success has been built on good home form. With such a start, greater things were expected from Red Devils but unfortunately, they lost their way in the middle.
The biggest challenge was from Pep Guardiola's free-flowing Manchester City. Guardiola's side have recorded just one loss and hence, United have been playing catch up since the beginning. Despite United's defensive approach, City were able to breach them at Old Trafford and pick up the momentum last year.
Also read: 5 reasons why David de Gea will stay at Manchester United
City can become the first side in Premier League history to clinch the title with five games to spare if they beat Manchester United on Saturday, but United can at least postpone it to a later date by putting up an inspired display. For Manchester United to win the fixture, they need to close spaces and break the free-flowing game of City.
Some of this was displayed during the clash earlier this season at Old Trafford. Don't be surprised if Mourinho plays very defensive approach and parks the bus. Though this tactic is criticised by many and is not pleasing to watch, it does deliver the results. With the schedule being lighter after their surprise exit from the Champions League at the hands of Sevilla, Mourinho's side will be fresh and won't have the burden of playing too many matches.
The foremost thing needed to finish the season on a high is to win the FA Cup. After Arsenal, Manchester United are the most successful side in one of the oldest football competitions in the world. If they do happen to win the FA Cup that would be their 13th title and it would tie them with Arsenal for most FA Cup wins. For that to happen, it is necessary for them to go past Spurs who themselves have been on a roll after defeating Chelsea.
Dele Ali has been in very good touch and Harry Kane is always dangerous in the box. The Red Devils need to mix caution with aggressiveness against Spurs. Scott Mctominay should play the defensive role in the midfield. Romelu Lukaku, who has got 25 goals this season across competitions will be the key man for the Red Devils if they have to win against Spurs.
His assist was crucial in the earlier fixture between the two sides where his header opened up the play for Martial to score the winner. Mourinho is more experience when it comes to these key knockout games and history suggests that they will come out on top because of the experience.
It is important for Manchester United to finish as the second-best team in the Premier League. For that to be possible they have some tricky clashes to negotiate, starting with City this weekend and Arsenal who can't surprise teams just when you don't expect them to.
Midfield has been the Achille's heel for the Red Devils with only Nemanjic Matic performing consistently. With 16 clean sheets, David de Gea has been the star performer and his best performance this season was against the Gunners. Paul Pogba is a crucial player for United as he opens up the game and creates chances. However, he has been shackled more often than not in the midfield setup that Moutinho plays.
With Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku playing the attacking roles, it is necessary for someone to provide them the service. Pogba has had an average season by his standards and needs the freedom for him to combine with the wide players and Sanchez.
For them to finish second, they have to focus on two aspects. They have to show a lot of intensity and eagerness to fight which was missing during the Sevilla game. Also, Mourinho during last month's astonishing comeback against Crystal Palace had questioned his players’ attitude and intensity during the first half and they were fortunate to escape Selhurst Park with a win.
They have to play with an attacking mindset and not be too defensive away from home. With away clashes against Bournemouth, Brighton and Watford to negotiate, United should be picking up maximum points.