Recent newspaper reports in England say Man Utd officials, Trafford Council, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority have created a partnership to remove any hurdles to relocation and ensure any agreement benefits the area around Old Trafford. Proposals for the ground include 5000 new homes and better transport links between Salford and Manchester City center. Followers can expect a final decision on the renovation or move to a 100,000-seater stadium by the end of this year.
Although many United fans would oppose a move away from Old Trafford to another part of the city, plans already appear to be at an advanced stage. Supporters hope the ongoing discussions over the Theatre of Dreamโs future donโt prove a distraction to the players who are chasing their first Premier League title in over a decade. Popular online sportsbook EveryGame offers odds on the winner of this seasonโs title, favoring neighbors Manchester City over United.
Erik Ten Hagโs team finished eighth in the EPL last season, and everyone connected to the club demands better this term. The club returns from the international break knowing improvement is needed following a poor start to the 2024/25 program.
Sticky start for United
Manchester United returns from the UEFA Nations League break in 14th position in the Premier League. After three games played, they have one win and two defeats. Following that narrow victory over Fulham on the opening day, they have back-to-back losses. The team ended August with a surprise loss to Brighton on the road, beaten by a 2-1 scoreline. Former United striker Welbeck opened the scoring on 32 minutes before former Glasgow Rangers loanee Diallo netted an equalizer. With the match headed for a draw, the Seagulls swooped on all three points, Joao Pedro netting deep into stoppage time to stun Ten Hagโs troops.
Those loyal to the Man Utd cause demanded a quickfire return to winning ways. The loss to Brighton was avoidable, but late goals happen in Premier League games, especially in the early exchanges of the season when teams are getting up-to-speed. The Red Devils hosted old rivals Liverpool in the opening match of September, but things quickly went from bad to worse. United lost 3-0 at Old Trafford to the Reds, who breezed to victory. Liverpool won the first half 2-0 and kept their foot on the gas to secure a comfortable win, leaving their opponents scratching around for answers.
Following those two setbacks, Man Utd is now closer to the bottom of the league than the top. To make matters worse, Man City boasts a perfect start after winning their first three games and collecting nine points. The Cityzens are level with Liverpool, who are also on nine, two points better than Brighton, Arsenal, and Newcastle. Sitting two wins off the pace after three games is worrying for the United fanbase, who watched their side underperform last season.
Ten Hag may already be feeling the pressure at Old Trafford, knowing that anything less than a strong September and autumn could see them lose sight of the leaders. A top-four finish and a place in next seasonโs UEFA Champions League are the minimum expected of the team this term. They must also perform well in the Europa League, and bookmakers have them as the early betting favorites to win UEFAโs second-string tournament.ย
Can United turn things around and get back on track this month? Letโs look at their upcoming fixtures.
Southampton vs Man Utd 14.09.2024
Man Utd travel to Southampton in their first game back after the international break. The home team is second from bottom of the league following defeat in each of their opening three games, scoring one goal and conceding five.ย
The statistics show that United scored four points from six against the Saints last season, thanks to a 1-0 win at St Maryโs Stadium and a goalless draw at Old Trafford. Another tight and nervy game is expected, but itโs one the away team knows they must win.
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd 21.09.2024
Following a midweek League Cup Third Round tie at home to Barnsley, United will visit London, where theyโll play the always dangerous Crystal Palace. The Eagles are currently 16th in the table after two defeats and a draw, scoring two goals and conceding five.ย
The teams met three times last season in the League Cup and Premier League, with Palace winning twice. United won 3-0 at Old Trafford in the cup but lost 1-0 at home in the league and 4-0 in London earlier this year. Could we see another defeat for Man Utd?
Man Utd vs Tottenham 29.09.2024
Undoubtedly, Man Utdโs toughest fixture this month is at home to Ange Postecoglouโs Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs travel north from London, looking to pile the pressure on their hosts. Another team chasing a top-four finish but suffering a slow start, Tottenham have an even spread of one win, one draw, and a defeat in their first three games, scoring six goals and conceding three.ย
United and Spurs met twice last season, scoring a combined six goals. The first game ended in a 2-0 home win for Tottenham in north London, followed by a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in January. Armchair fans hope for more of the same with another goal-fest, while Ten Hag would be happy with a win of any description to end September on a high.
October highlights
Following a busy September of Premier League, League Cup, and Europa League games, Man Utd have another five fixtures in October, including three in the EPL. They visit Aston Villa, host Brentford, and then head to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.ย
