United stumbled to yet another defeat on Saturday evening. Now once again, Brighton have control of the league. However, with Chris Hughton’s Seagulls side soaring the question must be asked. Would second place be a failure for Rafa Benitez’s men?
Have United underachieved this season?
To some extent, the answer has to be yes. United have one of the finest squads in the Championship. Furthermore, they have a Champions League winning manager at the helm who is by far the finest coach in the league. However, it has not been a disaster. The season has been acceptable however a title win was expected by many and will leave a small bitter taste if it isn’t achieved. Simply, this season hasn’t been the walk in the park that some fans thought it would be. Disappointing results have been littered throughout the season and if it wasn’t for a fantastic Autumn, United would be in trouble.
Consistency is key to any title challenge. United haven’t had it for long periods of the season. However, it’s not over yet. We have to get behind Newcastle in these final five games. Throughout the season when Brighton have taken the advantage they have failed to make it count. Brighton are better when they are chasing Newcastle rather than the other way around. Unfortunately, United don’t have time on their hands. Over-reliance on Shelvey, Gayle, Ritchie and Clark has seen United fall apart when one of them aren’t playing. Even when they’ve won with them, it has been a struggle.
The season has been a success but not as successful as it should have been. The title would be the cherry on top of the cake however promotion is the most essential part of the season. Newcastle should have walked this league. However, the lack of leaders in the side, an essential part of a title winning side, has hurt Newcastle. You can have as much talent in the team as you want but if you don’t have the right character you won’t win. However, if United keep winning it is possible. It’s not over yet.
Feature Image credit: Martin Le Roy
