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Horse Racing Manchester United are going in the right direction after first trophy since 2017 says former Red Devil Mikael Silvestre
Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley last Sunday saw the Red Devils pick up this season’s first domestic trophy of the season. The Carabao Cup final win is United’s first trophy win since May 2017 when they lifted the Europa League trophy.
We caught up with former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. He shared his thoughts on Erik ten Hag’s first trophy at the club, David De Gea becoming the record holder for clean sheets at the club and the impact of Fred since Christian Eriksen’s injury.
In this article:
- Carabao Cup means a lot as top teams in the country compete for it
- David De Gea has a lot to give to the team
- Fred is underrated
- This Manchester United squad can compete at the highest level
Carabao Cup means a lot as top teams in the country compete for it
Whilst the Carabao Cup isn’t the most decorated trophy amongst English football’s domestic trophy, it’s the first up for grabs. Grab is exactly what Manchester United did on Sunday afternoon at Wembley.
Their 2-0 win over Eddie Howe’s Newcastle thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford means the Red Devils have won their first trophy since the 2016/17 season. Silvestre believes that United are heading in the right direction under ten Hag’s guidance. He is particularly impressed with the speed at which ten Hag has implemented his ideas on the players.
“It’s the first trophy for Erik ten Hag and it’s a new start, new ideas, new philosophy and it’s coming within 8 months.”
“The team is going in the right direction and the win is a reward for everyone’s involvement.”
“It’s not a huge trophy but all the top teams in the country were competing for it so it means a lot.”
David De Gea has a lot to give to the team
The future of Manchester United keeper David De Gea has been a topic of conversation for much of the season. Reports suggest that he is currently in contract talks with the club regarding an extension.
Silvestre believes De Gea has proven he is capable of being in a team that’s reliant on a goalkeeper that is capable with the ball at his feet. Silvestre also marvels at De Gea breaking the record for the number of clean sheets achieved by a Manchester United goalkeeper.
“De Gea has spent 12 years at the club. When you spend that long at one club there will be different opinions because you go through cycles and difficult times.”
“Football divides opinion when it comes to player performances.”
“He’s the record holder for clean sheets at Manchester United.”
“David is talented. Modern day goalkeepers need to be the first attackers and he has that mindset.
“He’s on top of his game and has a lot to give to the team.”
Fred is underrated
The absence of midfielder Christian Eriksen due to a long term injury had left a gaping hole in the Manchester United midfield. In came Marcel Sabitzer on loan who had been expected to fill the void left by the injured Danishman. Yet, Manchester United’s Brazilian dynamo Fred is the man that’s stepped up to the plate in recent weeks. His all action approach in the midfield area can be erratic at times but he has proven his worth to ten Hag in recent weeks. Silvestre believes Fred is underrated by the masses and just needed a run of games to prove his importance to the Manchester United team.
“I don’t think ten Hag has an established midfield partnership because he changes the system.”
“Sometimes he’ll use two defensive minded midfielders. Sometimes one. The fact he has that much quality in midfield with players that can defend and attack is great.”
“Fred is underrated. When he gets a run of games he’s very good and always doing the dirty work for the team with a smile on his face.”
“Sabitzer, Eriksen, Fred, Casemiro and McTominay is a good problem to have.”
This Manchester United squad can compete at the highest level
Whilst ten Hag had been expected to be in a celebration mode, the Dutchman is insistent that it’s back to work for United. The team travelled back to Manchester after their Carabao Cup success to prepare for Wednesday’s FA Cup clash against a struggling West Ham side. The fixtures keep coming thick and fast but Silvestre believes there is enough strength in depth and quality to compete in all three remaining competitions.
“Finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League was the original target and to see improvements on the pitch.”
“The team is on track to achieve that so it’s important to continue the improvements and finish as close to the top as possible.”
“The team needs to use the momentum from the win to continue pushing forward and maintain this level of performance.”
“The squad is strong enough and there is enough quality to compete at the highest level.
“They don’t need to sacrifice a trophy. There are no long term injuries other than Eriksen so I think there’s enough depth in the squad.”
