Contrary to the majority opinion, I actually believe that United stands a chance to actually go all the way and win the Champions League with this season.
I am not saying this solely because I’m a United fan. I recognize that United is inferior to many UCL teams and there are better managers out there.
However, United has a few factors that can clinch their 4th European trophy.
Ole Gunnar’s tried and tested dogmatic defensive tactics taught by Mourinho
An approach which draws many critics,
Mourinho ’s dogmatic approach and tendency to stick to his principles of prioritizing defensive organization could have won him the champions league titles is hge was still on board. His Porto side & Inter side were no favorites but overcame opponents who were “pragmatic” and play “beautiful” football.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed Manchester United “can go all the way” and win the Champions League after producing one of the greatest comebacks in European history against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday night.
Marcus Rashford’s controversial late penalty secured a dramatic 3-1 win as United progressed to the quarter-finals on away goals, with Romelu Lukaku claiming that the club have now “decided” to give Solskjaer the job on a permanent basis as the players were left serenading the caretaker manager in the dressing room.
Of course, pragmatism is preferred in a long League campaign however in a Champions league knockout environment, managers have to set up their teams which suits their strengths and Manchester United right now is starting to resemble a true Mourinho team.
THIS. FOOTBALL. CLUB. #MUFC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QUNAgqxXTe— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2019
A tried and tested formula for Champions League success, Manchester United could have been more than capable of winning the Champions League it they stick to their strengths (defensive and , counterattacking football or physical direct football) and avoid being pressured into playing styles which aren’t their strong suit (possesion football) .
- Alexis Sanchez’s & United’s individual talent
Sometimes individual talent might be the key to tipping the scales. The signing of Sanchez fulfills this. With European heavyweights, the only star attacking power United has is Pogba. The signing of Sanchez adds another potency to that offense.
The problem with conservative approaches to football is that chances are very limited and chances have to be clinically finished.
United struggled with this and Sanchez is bought exactly to improve on this flaw United has.
Sanchez might be the one piece of magic that we United need to break deadlocks which are frequent in Champions League.
Apart from Sanchez, United has other individuals which can step up and provide unique avenues of attack, such as Fellaini with his aerial & physical threat, Young with his crossing and set pieces, Pogba with his trickery and long range bolters & Martial with his dazzling take ons on the left flank.
Sometimes the saying “ there’s no I in “team” but there’s a I in “win.” is necessary.
Conclusion:
No matter how inferior a side is, there will always be a puncher’s chance and United isn’t some pushover. Sucker punchers are common in the Champions League and United might be the one to deliver it.