Are Manchester United's early season struggles signaling a crisis?
Manchester United's slow start has already sparked criticism from some of football's biggest pundits, but three games into the season, is the panic really justified?
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo takes a closer look at Manchester United’s start to the season and reflects on whether their early struggles really deserve the level of criticism they have received.
The criticism
Gary Neville was furious after United's 2-2 draw with Everton, particularly with the defending that allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to score a stunning 96th-minute equaliser.
“Manchester United are conceding two goals a game, you can't concede two goals a game,” Neville said.
He is absolutely right. United's defensive organisation has been questionable, and conceding twice in each of their opening three league games is a problem.
But there is a difference between identifying a problem and declaring a crisis.
Man United were seconds away from leaving Everton with three points. Benjamin Sesko's 88th-minute header had seemingly won the game before Maitland-Niles produced a ridiculous long-range finish that would be replayed all week regardless of who it came against.
Sometimes, football really is that cruel.
Neville also called Man United's defending in the build-up “a massive mistake”. Again, fair criticism. But one defensive collapse should not erase everything United did well.
Gabby Agbonlahor went even further, warning that United could suffer “some beatings” in the Champions League if their defensive problems continue.
It is a fair warning. Manchester United cannot continue conceding goals this cheaply and expect to compete against Europe's best.
But there is also something slightly ridiculous about judging a team on a projected 38-game disaster after three matches.
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A closer look at the start
Yes, the opening fixtures looked favourable on paper. Hull City, Ipswich Town and Everton should have offered Manchester United a chance to build momentum, and four points from nine is underwhelming.
But this is three games. Three.
The Red Devils were poor against Hull, responded brilliantly with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich, and then created enough against Everton to lead twice.
Bruno Fernandes has already produced a hat-trick, Benjamin Sesko has opened his account, and Kobbie Mainoo impressed heavily against Ipswich.
Those are not the signs of a team with nothing going for it.
The defence needs work. Neville is right about that. Carrick needs to improve the game management, too.
But football is not played on paper, and seasons are certainly not decided in August and September.
Manchester United have flaws. They also have time.
The sensible response is to fix the problems, not manufacture another crisis.
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