With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the wheel and Manchester United in confident mood following six straight wins, there’s plenty to be excited about as Reds. Here, we shine a light on just five reasons to look forward to this Saturday’s Premier League return to Old Trafford…
1: SEVEN FROM SEVEN?
Solskjaer has made history by becoming the first United manager to win his first six matches in charge, after a series of accomplished team performances since his appointment as caretaker manager in December. Another victory, against Brighton & Hove Albion, would extend that record and crucially boost our bid to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season. With rivals Arsenal and Chelsea meeting at the Emirates Stadium in the evening, this could become a pivotal day for all.
2: RASHFORD’S ON FIRE
Marcus scored his fourth goal of Solskjaer’s reign with that immaculate right-footed finish against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, which highlighted his growing confidence and prowess when pulling the trigger. Incidentally, that strike at Wembley was also his 40th from 149 United appearances and that is a better tally than Cristiano Ronaldo had achieved by the same point. If you’re picking a Fantasy League team, or having a bet, Rashford is a shrewd selection this weekend.
3: POGBA IS BOSSING IT
Watching Paul in full flow and on form is one of football’s great joys: he’s a rare mix of elegance and power, at times playing like a man among children on a playground where he is physically and technically superior. His positioning under Solskjaer is facilitating a more attacking approach, with greater freedom, which helped him to win our Player of the Month award for December and his assist for Rashford at Spurs last Sunday demonstrated his devastating quality in the final third. More of the same on Saturday? Yes please!
4: LINDELOF IS MATURING
Solskjaer’s first three matches were slightly blemished by frustrating concessions, but thankfully those were followed by as many clean sheets in a row and Victor was integral to that run, alongside Phil Jones at centre-back.
Our Sweden international was particularly effective at Tottenham and executed a second-half tackle on Harry Winks that drew a comparison with the great Nemanja Vidic.
While the former Benfica defender should have a quieter game against a Brighton side that has only scored 24 goals this season, watching his development remains an enjoyable experience for supporters.
Can Manchester united finish top four?