Van Gaal in heated disscusion with Rooney and 3 other senior players, Man Utd board holding an emergency meeting

The title of this article can make lots of Manchester United fans unhappy. They are used to see their team lifting the title year after year under Sir Alex. They will certainly argue that the one and only goal of Manchester United is to become Premier League champions. But those good old days under Sir Alex are long gone. Current manager, Louis van Gaal, was spotted in a heated discussion with Rooney, Smalling, Mata and Carrick.

The downfall started when David Moyes took charge. The team finished 7th; which was well below par considering the history and glory of Manchester United. Moreover, David Moyes managed almost the same team that became champion under Sir Alex. He was sacked just after serving for one season. When LVG took charge, the board asked him to make the team qualify to Champions League and to make a squad that will bring long term success. LVG successfully made the team qualify to the UCL. But in this season, the team is nowhere near expectations. At present they are 5th, under Tottenham Hotspur. This might lead to LVG’s sacking. Manchester United board members are currently deciding the future of LVG at the club.

Many pundits will say that Manchester United still has the chance to become the champions this season. But the 9 point gap in mid-season isn’t showing bright signs. Whether LVG gets sacked or not, Manchester United should be looking at finishing in top four. The hopes of becoming champions are fading, but still there are great chances to qualify to UCL. That should be the much more realistic goal rather than becoming champions.

For achieving this goal, Manchester United must focus on not losing points on games against mid-table or bottom-half teams. The lack of ability to score goals has been the major issue for them this year. They have played most number of goalless draw games. The front line needs to get the killer instinct back. Otherwise finishing on top four will be a foregone conclusion.

In the January transfer window, Manchester United should bring players which will bring the killer instinct and give more solidity at the back. They don’t have a proper defensive midfielder who can make the bridge between the back four and frontline. It is hoped that Manchester United will purchase one in this transfer window.