These two sides last met on 26 October last year, when it became the old cliché that things were to get worse before they got better for Manchester United. Scrapping for at least a share of the spoils, Robin van Persie’s strike deep into injury-time saw the Red Devils put a point on the board. Shortly after, van Gaal failed to respond in a heated Manchester derby and succumbed to a one-goal-difference defeat; but bounced back with a run of six successive victories. These included claiming the bragging rights over top-half table rivals – Arsenal, Southampton and Liverpool – that see the club sit high and mighty, occupying that third spot today!
Whilst the January transfer window did little for United, with only fringe players looking elsewhere for game time and Victor Valdes the only senior addition to the first-team, it’s been a much more consistent ending to the campaign as the Premier League is now facing the home straight. However, you could suggest that since then, the gaffer’s selections have somewhat differed as the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria struggle to settle, whereas once out-of-favour midfield trio, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata are now mainstays on match days. And what an impact they’ve had. The latter in particular will set out with a point to prove as he faces his former employers, he couldn’t have found his form at a better point in the season. After much deliberation with his tactics, our head coach has found an idyllic balance in his now settled midfield which will again, leave it all to play for in the reverse affair against Mourinho’s men.
Another character in the Reds side is Robin van Persie, whose return is also timely. Despite his future looking increasingly likely to be further afield from Old Trafford, you could say the striker played his part in a thrilling stalemate last time around. If he is chosen to feature (whether this be a ten minute or so cameo towards the end or otherwise) it would be unexpected as his teams run during a spell on the side-lines has been significantly improved. It would be perhaps ironic then that this is the fixture in which United’s number 20 returns to full fitness. Hero to zero. One things for sure, van Gaal would need some Dutch courage to hand van Persie a start for he would certainly come under the cosh for favouring his frontman.
The ‘mathematically’ possible title contenders now do as Chelsea did to them months ago; dominating in possession for long periods of the game and now, scoring for fun! The Red Devils faithful can feel quietly confident we will not be leaving the capital empty handed. After all, if we sat in eighth position when last facing the Blues and are our opponents are now within sight… Leaps and bounds.
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