Why Old Trafford feel-good factor could last this time - Phil Neville

The feel-good factor is back at Old Trafford, and this time there are some reasons why it could last.

I'm not getting carried away by the margin of Manchester United's 4-0 win over Chelsea - the scoreline did not reflect the game until the Blues collapsed towards the end.

Right up until when United scored their third and second goals in quick succession, in the 65th and 67th minutes, things were pretty even and Chelsea had some very good chances.

But what I saw on Sunday was a Manchester United team that looked like they had a spirit of togetherness, a set system  and also the right players to execute that plan.

It is very early days, but the £80m United spent on Harry Maguire already looks worthwhile, because of the effect he has had on the rest of the team.

Being realistic, looking at the quality of Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham, then United are not going to win the league.

But, on this evidence, fourth place looks very attainable and, while there is such a clear direction and also a focus on youth, then United fans will go with that whether this team is successful or not.

Share:

Read More

Manchester United remain a work in progress - Solskjaer after 4-0 win over Chelsea

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his team are still a "work in progress" despite their 4-0 win over Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

After Chelsea twice hit the post, the Reds were lucky to lead 1-0 at half-time through Marcus Rashford's penalty.

But United improved after the break as Frank Lampard's first match as Chelsea boss ended in a day to forget.

"We know we're not anywhere near the finished article," Solskjaer said.

"We are working on improving as a team and finding a style that suits us a team. We still need time but it is coming.

"Winning is a habit. We are lucky to go in 1-0 up but in the second half our nerves settled, our confidence grew."

Solskjaer's team finished sixth in the Premier League last season, 32 points adrift of champions Manchester City and five behind Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification.

Few outside of Old Trafford have predicted United making a title challenge this season, with many believing a top-four finish would represent satisfactory progress for the 20-time English champions.

Some supporters are not convinced United did enough in the summer transfer market, having signed three players - Leicester defender Harry Maguire, Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Swansea winger Daniel James - and letting striker Romelu Lukaku go to Inter Milan.

England international Maguire, now the world's most expensive defender after joining for £80m last week, was named the man of the match after a commanding display.

Wan-Bissaka, a £50m signing, also looked assured on his first competitive start, while Wales international James marked his debut with a goal seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Share:

Read More

Man Utd lead through Rashford penalty, Chelsea strike woodwork twice

Summary

1. Follow radio coverage of Man Utd v Chelsea using the play button at top of the page
2. 
   
3. Rashford scores penalty after he is fouled by Zouma
4. 
   
5. Abraham and Emerson hit post and bar respectively with shots
6. 
   
7. Aubameyang scores winner for Arsenal at Newcastle
8. 
   
9. Wolves have goal ruled by VAR in 0-0 draw at Leicester

Share:

Read More

Rashford penalty gives Man Utd lead against Chelsea

Summary

1. Follow radio coverage of Man Utd v Chelsea using the play button at top of the page
2. 
   
3. Rashford scores penalty after he is fouled by Zouma
4. 
   
5. Aubameyang scores winner for Arsenal at Newcastle
6. 
   
7. Wolves have goal ruled by VAR in 0-0 draw at Leicester

Share:

Read More