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Boxing “Man United can challenge for the title with a few new players”, says Mikael Silvestre
The season has come to an end for Manchester United and even though they ended up losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the Red Devils have had a great first season under Erik ten Hag.
Man United qualified to the Champions League through their top four position in the Premier League, just as they also won the Carabao Cup trophy.
We talked to the former Man United defender, Mikael Silvestre, who shared his thoughts on Man United’s season, just as he also looked forward to next season to see where they can improve and whether he thinks they are able to challenge for the Premier League title.
In this article:
- 1998-1999 Man United vs 2022-2023 Man City
- This is what Man United need to add to challenge for the Premier League title
- Kim Min-Jae wouldn´t break up the Martinez-Varane partnership
- Sancho or Martial has been the most disappointing Man United player
- Man United are playing entertaining football under Erik ten Hag
1998-1999 Man United vs 2022-2023 Man City
Man United won the treble back in the 1998-1999 season with a legendary side that has been talked about as one of the best teams in history ever since. Silvestre says that he would love to see both teams in their prime playing against each other, as he mentions that this Man City side will go down in history.
“We need to use AI so they can play against each other. That would be cool.”
“If they achieve it it will be amazing and go down in history as the second team in Manchester to win the treble.”
“It’s fantastic to be at that level. It’s unique in football and I’m sure they will enjoy preparing for the two finals.”
“It’s a close call.”
This is what Man United need to add to challenge for the Premier League title
According to Silvestre, Man United has a very good base but before they are able to challenge for the Premier League title, they need to add a centre forward and a defensive midfielder.
“I think in terms of personnel they have to add a goalscorer next to Marcus Rashford.”
“I would like another defensive centre midfielder also. Aside from that, if everybody is fit they look very good.”
“The defence in terms of Shaw, Martinez, Varane and Wan Bisakka along with Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno are good enough for Man United to challenge.”
“The biggest question mark is consistency so I think two or three players can bring United into that Arsenal bracket.”
Kim Min-Jae wouldn´t break up the Martinez-Varane partnership
The South-Korean world cup hero, Kim Min-Jae has been linked to Man United for a long time now, and the club seems to be very close to reaching an agreement of the Napoli defender but even though Silvestre likes him, he doesn’t think he will walk into Man United’s starting lineup.
“I like him. I like him but for me I haven’t been overly impressed. Especially when I compare him to the likes of Martinez and Varane.”
“I don’t see him coming in and breaking that partnership. Especially when you have Lindelof who has done extremely well as a back up.”
“I think United are okay in that department.”
Sancho or Martial has been the most disappointing Man United player
We asked Silvestre about who, according to him, has been Man United´s most disappointing player this season, and he pointed out two of Man United´s attacking players.
“I think Jadon Sancho has had a tough time. It was a difficult moment for him mentally and physically.”
“He hasn’t been in top form. He wasn’t involved.”
But it’s not only Jadon Sancho, who has disappointed according to Silvestre, who also points out his countryman, Anthony Martial as a player, who has underperformed. However, he says that disappointments like these open up the opportunity for young players like Aljeandro Garnacho.
“Anthony Martial hasn’t gotten back to his best. He hasn’t had a run of games because he gets injured all the time and that’s frustrating.”
“He wants to play all the games but he’s shown signs of fragility and at this level it’s important to have all your players fully fit.”
“However, it has given an opportunity to someone like Garancho to make an impact. He’s done really well. He’s learning his trade at 18 and he will grow into a big player.”
Man United are playing entertaining football under Erik ten Hag
Silvestre has been very pleased with the playing style under Erik ten Hag and he is assuming that the vast majority of Man United´s fans would be so as well and he urges the club just to continue down this path.
“United fans will be pleased with the way the team has tried to play football. It’s entertaining most of the time.”
“He has to continue being demanding and keep the discipline of the squad. He should continue being strong with the players to get the best out of them because there’s quality in this squad.”
“It’s got to be 100% every game because you can’t relax in the Premier League.”
“He has the energy and means to do it so hopefully next season is another step up to get closer to being a title contender.”
