Manchester United is having an interesting year. After a dismal showing in European competitions, United has had nothing to focus on except winning the Barclays Premier League. Unfortunately as ManUtd.com reports, the club has suffered a difficult 4-4 draw with Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday April 22. As if the draw at home was not hard enough to accept, the team chasing United for the title, Manchester City, managed a 2-0 victory later that day as Bloomberg reports.
The Red Devils now have a three point lead on City heading into the derby match, which could very easily determine who takes home the title. In a way the schedule has worked out perfectly for what could be a stunning end to a very interesting year. However, Manchester United had the opportunity to stay clear of Manchester City and just flat out did not put the title race away.
All season United has let the opposition stay within striking distance, and it is something that has driven me crazy. The squad has lacked the ability to finish teams off, instead letting them hang on 1-0 or 2-1. Blowing a two goal lead to Everton is nothing to be ashamed of, but doing so at this point of the season is a bit disappointing. A three point lead with three matches left assures fans of an exciting conclusion. Still, Sir Alex has to be a little bit on edge, even if he is not showing it, at the performance of the club against Everton. The entire team should be ready for the game of the season next week, and it needs to be.
United has been in the habit of not making its task easy on themselves, and a crucial draw was definitely the way to turn up the heat on the pressure cooker. Before the all the focus to perform was on City, now Manchester United for all intents needs to win away in order to keep any title hopes alive. While a draw might do, I would imagine United fans across the globe want a definitive victory. That way the Red Devils would put a stamp and an exclamation mark on the latest domestic conquest.
Jason Gallagher is a long-time Manchester United fan, following the performances of the Red Devils since the days of Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
