Manchester United have made a poor start to their Premier League campaign and currently find themselves in the 8th spot of the league table, a massive 12 points adrift of their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City. However, that has not stopped Marouane Fellaini from believing that they can catch up with the Citizens despite being so far behind after the first quarter of this league campaign.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the Belgian international shared his thoughts and said, “I don’t think so. I remember when I arrived in England it was a top four, now it is a top six, so every year it is more difficult.
“Next season we will see how it changes and in two and three years I think every year it is more difficult, the intensity is higher, so that’s why the Premier League is attractive.
“Manchester City are strong, but I think they will lose. Ok, they are very good and they have good players but it’s possible to beat them. We lost, but we have the second game at Old Trafford and we will see.”
It’s good to hear the Belgian talent already looking forward to the next Manchester derby in March and he also makes a good point about City potentially faltering in a few games (like they did last season) during the course of this campaign. However, he doesn’t include the fact that United have to match City’s results when Pep Guardiola’s men are winning which they have not been able to do so far this term.
It is highly unlikely that the Red Devils will be able to mount a miraculous comeback after the international break and challenge Man City for the league title this season. However, they can look to close the gap over the next few years by playing well on the pitch and recruiting smartly off it.
There is no problem for a player to be optimistic about his team’s chances but yet, the truth remains that on paper, City’s squad is far stronger than the one United has currently. And there is a real gulf in quality between the two Manchester clubs at this moment which was on display during their encounter at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month.
Hence, we can conclude that the Belgian was a bit off the mark with his analysis but props to him for being optimistic under difficult circumstances at the Old Trafford.
