What if it was the symbol of a new Manchester United? In hell during the first period, the Red Devils overthrew Aston Villa (3-2) this Tuesday in a tranced Old Trafford. An indescribable Christmas gift for the 70,000 supporters who experienced all the emotions during these 90 minutes. The end of 2023 will have a decidedly special flavor for them, who learned, on New Year’s Eve, of the buyout of 25% of the club by Jim Ratcliffe.
After three matches without a victory, United returned to success in the Premier League to climb a little in the standings (6th). A breath of fresh air while the club has been plunged into terrible spleen for many months. More importantly, the team showed character like never before. “I said before the match that if we gave our best, we could beat anyone. Even if we were 2-0 down, it didn’t matter: ‘Keep going, show your character’, and that’s what they did today“, rejoiced coach Erik ten Hag after the match.
Garnacho, Hojlund… The awakening of flamboyant youth
“We are Manchester United and we never give up. It was a great comeback for the team“, savored Alejandro Garnacho, symbol of the Mancunian revolt. Overwhelmed in the first period, during which the Villans made the break (21st, 26th), the Argentinian returned from the locker room with unbearable rage. Despite a goal refused ( 48th), the 19-year-old held on to score the double which turned the match around (59th, 71st).
More generally, it was the awakening of a completely broken attack that occurred at Old Trafford. “A lot of people talk about Manchester United’s strikers and say we never score goals. Today we had an assist from Rashford and goals from us (him and Rasmus Hojlund). This is one of the best days of my life“, continued Garnacho. And as if the full match of the Argentinian but also of Marcus Rashford (26 years old) was not enough for the symbol, the victory came from the foot of Rasmus Hojlund (20 years old). A perfectly felt recovery and above all a very first goal in the Premier League for the young Dane. And if his season got underway here, at the same time as that of his entire team…
The revolt before the revolution?
For his first match with the club, Jim Ratcliffe was not seen in the stands. But Dave Brailsford, director of sports operations at Ineos (Ratcliffe’s company) yes. It would obviously be inappropriate to see a cause and effect link. However, Mancunian supporters should perhaps believe in the lucky stars this Tuesday evening, they who have never hung with the Glazer family (owner of the club since 2005). However, Santa Ratcliffe has not had time to put his paw on, and will not be able to do so for several weeks. But the revolution promises to be significant, with a heavy restructuring at all levels (staff, management, coach?).
To give yourself a new lease of life, what could be better than launching a positive dynamic and regaining a little confidence. The success against Aston Villa has this flavor of hope, even if it must be tempered. “I do not want to talk (from the result as a turning point) because we’ve had so many false starts this season. We have to play one match after another. We are not able to consider more important things“, explained captain Bruno Fernandes lucidly. Eliminated from all European competition and winners only ten times in the Premier League, the Red Devils are starting from afar this season, of which they have just completed the first leg. This is what will make the second part even more exciting.
From January 1, these ten players will be able to sign for a new club