The road to greatness

Let’s just get to the point by saying Manchester United were fantastic against Tottenham. Calm in possession, ruthless in attack and deadly in finishing.

The 3 points the result came with put a wide grin on every United fan’s face. A swashbuckling first half, followed by a serene and comfortable second period brought back fond memories of Manchester United. A league debut to promising teenager Andreas Pereira was a nice touch by van Gaal. It was a perfect foreplay before the mighty fixture list kicks in starting at Anfield on Sunday.

As Angel Di Maria did not play due to suspension, a spot opened up for Juan Mata in the inside right channel and boy, didn’t he stake his claim. He’s no Angel in terms of his trickery and speed, but has something which is very important to the way we play now. Quick, incise and intelligent passing. What’s the point of sustained possession if the Argentine winger gives the ball away cheaply without creating a scoring opportunity?

Louis van Gaal has to make a decision and make it fast. Play the current club record signing or the previous club record signing. Only Sunday’s team-sheet can tell us whether Di Maria will return to the first team against the Scousers. It is a game that could well have huge ramifications on the rat-race for the top four.

This is an exciting time for the most exciting league in the world. With the top-two dropping points this weekend, the corridor of hope has creaked opened slightly for the chasing pack. The top-4 are separated just by 8 points. Don’t forget, last season City spent least days on the top of the table, but they were there when it well and truly mattered, after the last game.

In the 2011-12 season, United had a lead of 8 points over City, still ended up surrendering the title on goal difference. So who’s to say where we end up in May? Funnier things have happened in football. Let’s not say it, lest we jinx it, the road to greatness begins here.

All words by Amit Chansikar. You can also submit an article to Stretty News.

More Stories Angel Di Maria Juan Mata Louis van Gaal Manchester United Spurs Tottenham Hotspur