A BMW racing on a highway will stumble hard if it finds a speed breaker. Even though it is built with components withstand these hindrances, within it takes some time to regain its momentum.
Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement seems to fit this example for Manchester United. Since his departure, Red Devils seem to be what it were not very long ago. Early exit from Champions League adds salt to their wounds.
Here are some positives and negatives from the loss:
Positives:
Less intense:
Manchester United are certainly a big name when it comes to Europa league. A team that has been consistent in bigger competitions will be a mental threat to smaller teams. The competition will be less intense provided Reds keep up to their high standards.
Easy European entry:
With Liverpool and Spurs chasing the Red's heals, Europa league will give them a second chance for European berth. With league games unpredictable, Reds can rely on Europa League trophy to enter the Champions League next season.
Bench Strength:
ManU will face big hurdles in knockout phase of the tournament. So this gives them opportunity to try the bench strength, which if successful, will reduce millions for the team management in the next transfer window.
Negatives
Manager:
After a humiliating failure, Louis Van Gal has to refute his critics, sooner, the better. ManU are losing its trademark under him and results reflect bad on them. When many wants him to be sacked, he must show his real strength as the chair in which he is sitting demands more.
Players:
Manchester United haven't had superstars for a quite long time. Rooney is pale shadow of what he was and the next generation stars are performing once in a blue moon. The belligerent approach is missing in the troop. For a team to be a volcano in a mountain range, it needs someone erupting magma frequently. ManU needs to find that man soon.
ManU have stumbled in the past and peaked sooner. Though recovery is slow this time around, Reds need to pull up their shocks.
By Venkat Harish
Views are personal
