Manchester United -  A Club Struggling to Find An Identity

The Red Devils find themselves in new territory. Even with the  reborn personality of their crosstown rivals, under the new umbrella of the Etihad, Manchester United have always been the goliath of the northern England town. However, since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, United appear to be a club on the decline, struggling to identify themselves in accordance with its traditional roots. Instead of a perennial title threat, United’s reputation has slipped. While fringe Champions League qualification may be satisfactory for most, it just won't do for the Old Trafford faithful.

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Is Swansea the Best Show in the Premier League?

Many football traditionalists may not even recognize Swansea’s right to exist in top-flight English football, or any dominion of English football for that matter. Whether this ideology is worthy of debate remains superfluous because the Welsh club is here to stay. In a relatively short amount of time since the club’s escalation from the Championship, Swansea’s rise can be characterized, quite simply, as meteoric. If its current form is any inclination, Swansea look to be a perennial lock for top-half finishing and could very well challenge for Europa League qualification.

Since striker Bafetimbi Gomis replaced Wilfried Bony the squad hasn’t missed an offensive beat, making his 28 million pound sale to City just to sit on the bench a laughable transaction. With the revenue, the Swans were able to lock down the services of, quite possibly, the league's best midfield unit, highlighted by wingers Andre Ayew and Jefferson Montero. Swansea’s offense, although one of the league’s best through three games, will face a tough test in United, which have yet to surrender a goal all season.

Match Outlook

Manchester United's primary objective is, obviously enough, to score. Despite registering seven points in its first three matches, United has looked sluggish and uninspired. Notwithstanding an improved defense that has yet to surrender a goal, Man U’s offensive attack has been flaccid, scoring only one goal in the league thus far. The Red Devils are hoping that Wayne Rooney’s 10-game goalless skid is nearing its end after netting a hat trick against Club Brugge on Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier.

Even without an offensive surge, United should be in good shape, as its defense has been in tight form. New signings Matteo Darmian and Morgan Schneiderlin have improved the formally beleaguered unit, changing what was a haphazard structure of converted midfield into a world-class defensive unit.

Man U’s defense will need to continue its fine form if it hopes to repel the Swan's stirring attack. Bafetimbi Gomis has scored a goal in every game this season, operating as the target forward in Swansea’s 4-5-1. The aforementioned five are forming into one of the leagues best groups as Jonjo Shelvey and Gylfi Sigurdsson spearhead the middle of the field. Shelvey, has grown leaps and bounds since his days as a Liverpool youngster. Operating as a withdrawn midfielder, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the game, servicing in balls and creating chances for his forwards that a less-keen mind would have never seen. On the flanks, however, is where Swansea creates the danger. Jefferson Montero and Andre Ayew have breakneck pace and service ability that makes any wide run a danger for a cross-provided score.

Prediction

Manchester United must awaken from their scoring slumber eventually. With that said, however, Swnsea will not go quietly into the night, err, afternoon. Memphis keeps creating chances, despite his repeated mis-kicks, and Rooney, despite his drought, is still Wayne Rooney, a world class player. Look for Manchester United’s offense to break out in what should be a barnburner of a match.

Prediction Draw 3-3, Jefferson Montero MOTM

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