The international break is over – not that many players feel it was a break after playing three games – and Manchester United return to the scene of one of their worst defeats last season, St James' Park, Newcastle.
That 1-0 reverse a year ago dropped them to 14th in Premier League with only two wins from the first eight games. It was the game before the lockdown and the mood among fans was sombre.
Privately, one United coach admitted that the toolbox wasn’t overflowing with talent and you couldn’t argue with that given the side had started the season poorly after an inconclusive summer transfer window.
In mitigation, matters did gradually improve for England’s biggest club and United finished in a season high of third place. However, this term has also started poorly after another transfer window when the patience of United fans was strained by inactivity before four deadline day signings.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have won one of their opening three matches, lost both at home, conceded 11 goals and sit 16th – albeit with a game in hand on most of the teams above them.
Fans aren't happy and there's been justified criticism of United's players, especially for their poor performances in the 1-6 defeat to Spurs. Solskjaer has not escaped criticism either.
To make matters worse for the Norwegian, he’s been without most of his squad and unable to prepare for Saturday’s game properly. That’s on top of his belief that the pre-season was wholly inadequate and that his players were not mentally and physically ready.
And his side’s next games are at Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday before home games against Chelsea, Leipzig and Arsenal.
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Maguire sent off on miserable night for England
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Solskjaer’s United have been at their best when things have looked at their worst, but the next few weeks are vital for him.
"It was a disappointing game of course last year," he told The National. "We should have won it, we had a few chances to win it, but then young Longstaff scored a goal from a counter attack and they beat us 1-0. We didn't have a response."
United fans need to see evidence that Solskjaer’s team is improving. They know it is not going to happen overnight and he still enjoys the backing of most of them, but after the underwhelming start some are wavering. Solskjaer maintains that he’s making progress.
“We’ve come on quite a bit since then [Newcastle away], we’ve done well getting to third last season but now it’s about getting the three points in this game because I know we've started badly,” he said.
“I know Brucey and Newcastle have started really well with seven points already and they’re in the quarters of the Carabao Cup. It’s looking positive for them. For us, we have to dominate. We have to go up there and show that we can handle setbacks like we had last time.”
He’s looking for an immediate response. “After you lose a game you just want to win the next one. We have to control the game and the result is very important, but I want to see the body language and our mind-set being positive. We don't get anywhere being negative. We’re going to go for a win and see players who want to work for the points.”
The game is one of the first to be shown on pay par view television in the UK and the £14.95 ($19) fee has angered fans and supporters groups for being too high. Many fans have already paid subscriptions to television packages, which carry a lot – but not all – games.
Also, Manchester United could be without their under-fire captain Harry Maguire, who has been playing poorly and was sent off for England against Belgium midweek. Solskjaer maintains that Maguire picked up a knock and that he would be assessed.
“Harry has got great resilience, I know he’ll bounce back,” said his manager. “I know he wants to play and work his way out of the last couple of games in which he’s been criticised.”
While on international duty, Paul Pogba, another player under the spotlight, said: "All footballers would love to play for Real Madrid, it's a dream for me". Such comments angered United fans who found it disrespectful, especially after a 1-6 defeat where Pogba was as poor as most of his teammates.
“Paul’s our player,” said Solskjaer as he brushed off the controversy. “He going to be here for another two years and I’m sure Paul is focussed on doing his best for us and we want to see the best of Paul. I’m sure we’ll get the best out of Paul.”
United fans are still waiting for that, but Solskjaer’s side are still undefeated away from home since January. That record needs to stay intact in an empty St James Park on Saturday night, but even a draw won’t calm the nerves of fans who fear they are seeing a repeat of last season.
