Manchester United lost their third successive game this week in their League Cup tie with Sunderland. It was also their third 2-1 loss in three outings which has left a sour taste in the mouths of those at Old Trafford. They are having a dismal season to date but have the tools to fix their rocking ship – we are in the middle of the transfer window and they are at home to Swansea tomorrow.
While Old Trafford used to be a fortress, this season they have lost four of their last six games there, including a 2-1 loss to the Swans in the FA Cup recently, and the Welsh side’s manager has been quick to pile the pressure on United ahead of this weekend’s clash.
Laudrup told Sky Sports: “This is a game they want to win, they have to win this game and we must be ready for that.
“I don’t think the United players like what they are reading and what they are hearing at the moment about these negative records so I know this will be a very tough game for us.
“But football can change in a very short space of time. If they beat us, win their next game then beat Sunderland 1-0 in their second leg, suddenly they’re back near the top four in the league and in a final at Wembley.”
But Can United overcome the challenge from Swansea? Can their limp midfield overcome the slick style of football that the Welsh side play?
I have money on a draw. I feel as though, with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie out, United don’t have enough cutting edge about them and will struggle to really create anything. Swansea have already shown us that they are good enough to win at Old Trafford, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did so again this weekend.
Tom Gilley