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Louis Van Gaal started the season with a definite mandate of finishing in the top four. Though the results haven't been overwhelming, United proved that they can win points ugly.
But, it's always been one step forward and three steps backward. And the story was repeated over the weekend against Swansea.
Facing the side which made him start the season on wrong foot, Van Gaal expected his side to continue its improved form over the last 20 matches. But, the law of luck (if ever there is one) caught up with United and Swansea dealt a serious blow to their Champions League qualification hopes.
Though United still find a place in the top 4, it is too close to comfort for the fans. Liverpool is in the midst of a great run and has the momentum to make a dash for it. Arsenal, like every season, is expected to keep their spot in the top four. Southampton, irrespective of their setback against Liverpool, should continue strong considering their easy run-in fixtures.
That leaves United under huge pressure for the remaining fixtures. With matches against Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea starting from March, the Red Devils are sure to find the going tough.
Situations like these would have been bread and butter for United teams of the past. The current team is performing nowhere near its best. This is reflected in the fact that every side playing United now come into the game with an eye on points. It was not long ago when a match against the United team was considered a foregone conclusion.
United fans have been calling for victories with style. Van Gaal knows that his task is cut out and if they do not pick their game up even now, they may bid good bye to their CL hopes. The United hierarchy would certainly not want that. These are definitely nervous times for every Red Devil fan.
Written by Sridhar Bhamidi
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