The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

Hello sports fans, good afternoon. I hope you’re well, in good health and looking after yourselves. We need to talk about this footballing weekend and, to be more precise, the Manchester Derby.

Yes, that’s right, the game between Manchester United and Manchester City. Yesterday’s Premier League tussle was arguably seen as more even. City is going through some wholesale changes and, of course, appointing a new boss after 10 years.

This was Manchester United’s chance to win, right? Well, no, it wasn’t. The match would end in defeat, and the questions about the Red Devils’ start to the Premier League have risen.

That was supposed to be last season’s news, but with United picking up just four points from their opening four games, the pressure cauldron is hotting up. Michael Carrick knows the club; the same won’t happen to him as it did under Ruben Amorim.

Guess what points-wise it is, and this time it’s maybe not coming as ferociously due to Carrick being a fan-favourite, but on face value, there are some issues at The Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester United need to be careful; they don’t sleepwalk into another disappointing season. Last season wasn’t one of them; last season was a sign of optimism.

With that in mind, it’s a bit disappointing that The Reds have come into this term looking undercooked. Yes, they have brought in an all-new, state-of-the-art midfield, but it’s clear that’s not enough.

That defence is leaking more goals than one of those roofs in the Old Trafford ground on a rainy day. Everyone knows that, but we need perspective too. For many seasons, Man United have tried to spend their way back to the top.

For the most part, it’s not worked. As a result, even the mighty Manchester United have had to tighten their belt. FFP is the mitigating factor that ensures they don’t fall foul of spending rules.

Former midfielder Michael Carrick did well to help inspire Man United to reach the Champions League. It was arguably easier because there were fewer games to play last season.

Quite simply, I am saying the need to support the team is greater than ever. It’s a tough start this season for Manchester United, absolutely, but due to no fault of his own, he hasn’t been backed (by the board).

Time, patience, and backing are what’s needed.