The change in Man United's Fortunes

   It's Sunday 11th January, its a cold and windy afternoon at Old Trafford and Manchester United have just been gunned down by Southampton on their home turf. Murmurs of discontent are mumbling between the home fans and they are asking themselves; 'Is this any different from last season?'. 
But since that day United have only lost once in the League and have managed to climb into a comfortable 3rd place and with a comfortable 9 point gap between themselves and Southampton, in 5th place. The media and pundits alike are struggling to answer the question; how has this been possible? How have United managed to win 6 on the bounce, and against very tough opponents?

   Time and consistency in selection is the answer. Huge credit must go to Louis Van Gaal for United's turn around in fortunes and his honorable trust and confidence in his players. When United thumped neighbors City 4-2 yesterday evening it was intriguing to see that the biggest summer signings (Falcao and Di Maria), only made the bench and played very little contribution to the game. Luke Shaw was also absent with injury, and it was the likes of Ashley Young, Maurouane Fellaini, and Chris Smalling that where key to the victory, all players who looked to have no future for United this season after disastrous campaigns last season. Louis Van Gaal has truly captivated his players, and motivated them to get back to their best level of performance and it has really started to pay of on the pitch. Huge victories against Spurs, Liverpool and City have turned United's season into what is looking to be a success, but it is not only the results that are encouraging, its the performance. The old swagger is back, United are playing in a fearless manner, and with the confidence that no one can beat them. Free flowing attacking football with a hint of arrogance, dare i say it, it bears some similar reminiscence to the football in the days of the great Sir Alex Ferguson. 

   Time. Back in my Blog in March, after United's dismal F.A cup defeat I said that all Louis Van Gaal needed was time and patience to do his job and to truly influence the players with his philosophy and tactical identity. United are now joint second, in the form table, and are not looking over their shoulder. For me, the title is to ambitious for this season, even if United were able to beat Chelsea they would still be 5 points behind and it looks as if Chelsea will be champions come May. However with United there is always a huge sense of belief and if United were to beat Chelsea along with Arsenal beating Chelsea, you can never say never. 

   I think there also needs to be certain amount of credit given to David Moyes, his signings have certainly contributed hugely to United's recent form, with the likes of Juan Mata and Maurouane Fellaini being the key men since the turn of the new year. Also I regard Ander Herrera in this bracket as I think the deal was in place before Moyes departed last April. 

   I think United will only continue to improve. It's a shame the season is coming to its climax, as I feel if there was 10-12 games left a title push would have been well within their reach. But its onwards and upwards we must look. At the start of the season the minimum expectation was a top 4 place and 3 weeks ago that was looking very unlikely, I now feel that United will finish second, and if United fans were told this at the beginning of the campaign i think they would have been over the moon with that. As far as what United need in terms of signings to further improve and to have a big challenge in the Champions League next season I think there are 3 players still needed to bring into the squad. Mats Hummel's is one who I believe will arrive in the summer. In the German Press (DW Sport) Jurgen Kloop, manager of Borussia Dortmund, said that "He is good enough for Manchester United, and he is thinking things over". I think this is a polite way of saying he is leaving, otherwise even the mention of a transfer would be rubbished by Kloop. With Dortmund not in contention for a Champions League place, I feel as he is one of the finest defender's on the planet he will wear the red of Manchester United next season. 

   United also need a Defensive midfielder to eventually replace the solid Michael Carrick. Names like Paul Pogba, Kevin Strootman and Jordie Clasie have been increasingly mentioned. In an ideal world it would be the reunion of Paul Pogba which would be best for United, but I'm not sure how realistic that will be, as United will be battling against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and P.S.G, respectively. I think Kevin Strootman will be ideal, a wonderful defensive player and can chip in with goals, Van Gaal has worked with him before, and although he hasn't hit the heights this year with Roma, Van Gaal can get him back to his best if he comes to United. Memphis Depay is also a great prospect, the dutch youngster has put in string of quality performances and has been severely linked with a reunion with his old international manager; Louis Van Gaal. The winger would bring pace and flair to the United team and I feel he would be a good addition to the squad. 

   It's definitely exciting times for this United team, if the performance is at a great level now, with further additions in the summer I expect United to make a real challenge for the league title and also go far in the champions league. Robin Van Persie said last season that United would be back, and they are just around the corner from becoming a force to be reckoned with.