Manchester United have turned many corners this season. Trouble is, lurking around the corner tends to be another minefield ready to blow up in their face.
Each victory, however unconvincing, has been presented as a ‘season really starts here’ moment only to be followed by another round of demoralising defeats and recriminations.
The trio of wins over Brentford, Sheffield United and FC Copenhagen either side of the October internationals offered renewed belief that was gleefully shattered by Manchester City and Newcastle both winning 3-0 at Old Trafford in the space of four days.
Back-to-back successes against Luton and Everton were followed by a defensive horror show away to Galatasaray and a virtual no-show in defeat at Newcastle.
The 2-1 win over Chelsea earlier this month, comfortably United’s best all-round performance of the season, was backed up by an indescribably miserable 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
Manchester United produced a backs-to-the-wall performance to take a point from Anfield
Erik ten Hag will hope to harness the fighting spirit shown on Sunday to kick on
United’s 0-0 result is in stark comparison to last season’s 7-0 Anfield thrashing
So what evidence is there to suggest Sunday’s goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield is the new dawn United’s season desperately needs?
As ever, Erik ten Hag’s hopelessly inconsistent team can only hope and pray, ahead of festive games against West Ham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, that something has clicked.
A point at Anfield can never be sniffed at, especially considering the relative confidence levels of the two teams at the moment.
On the one hand, United showed a resilience so often lacking this season and a togetherness that suggested they are still playing for their manager despite reports to the contrary.
On the other hand, Liverpool passed up 34 chances at goal, failed to make use of 69 per cent possession and 12 corners, and made bad decisions when in good positions.
Had Jurgen Klopp’s side actually put on their shooting boots and shown a ruthless streak, a repeat of last season’s 7-0 thrashing might have occurred.
But it didn’t and United – who somehow are only six points off the top four – can push on without further psychological scars from a visit to Merseyside.
Ten Hag – who replied ‘I told you’ to questions about team unity afterwards – will enjoy a rare clear midweek ahead of Saturday’s visit to West Ham and needs to use Sunday’s point as a building block.
Raphael Varane put his rift with Erik ten Hag behind him to produce a dominant performance
The Frenchman’s aerial dominance enabled United to withstand Liverpool’s bombardment
The return of Raphael Varane was a major positive and it appears any rift between the French defender, who’d gone a month without playing, and his manager has now healed.
Varane kept Darwin Nunez quiet all afternoon and was dominant aerially, helping United negotiate Liverpool’s bombardments.
With Harry Maguire out until the new year with a groin injury, Varane can help lead United forward playing alongside Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof.
By that time, Lisandro Martinez should be nearing a return from his foot injuries and it may be possible to reprise the successful Martinez-Varane partnership from last season, or play one of them alongside Maguire.
Diogo Dalot also enjoyed a very good afternoon at Anfield up until the point he opened his mouth one too many times and was sent off in stoppage time.
His suspension is a frustration because Dalot put in a real shift, making a number of important blocks and looking assured in possession as United played out.
It took a little time for Dalot’s Old Trafford career to warm up but he is more favoured by Ten Hag than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has filled in at both right-back and left-back as required this season.
There was a good cohesion – and communication – between the back four and a midfield of Sofyan Amrabat, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay.
This hasn’t been a given this season with even modest opponents able to drive a coach and horses through United’s midfield.
United were on the back foot but can be satisfied with the point taken from Anfield
United goalkeeper Andre Onana (left) was forced into making several saves in the match
It’s possible Ten Hag could have selected such a conservative midfield trio anyway but injuries and suspensions left him with no choice on Sunday.
Captain Bruno Fernandes would have played had he not accumulated five yellow cards regardless of his stroppy body language in the same fixture last season.
But his absence did allow United greater control defensively, even if it limited them going forward. It wasn’t until the second-half, when the action became more stretched, that United showed attacking ambition.
Bruno Fernandes missed the Anfield trip through suspension but the United captain is likely to return on Saturday
They managed to string together a move of nine or more passes just once in the entire game, yet managed to carve out very presentable chances for Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
But it’s clear Fernandes wouldn’t have seen much of the ball and so the chances of him becoming frustrated again would have been pretty high.
As it was, both Mainoo and Amrabat were booked in the first-half but kept their composure to avoid being drawn into rash tackles thereafter.
It’s very likely Fernandes will be back in the side at the London Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, however.
Antony has started to look a bit better in recent games but the end product is still missing.
More than once on Sunday, the Brazilian led the breakaway but was unable to execute the right pass at the right moment.
A lack of alternatives will keep Antony in the team, though, and Ten Hag will only hope his form drastically improves to provide some return on his £85million price tag.
The same applies to Marcus Rashford, who was ill during the week and only replaced Garnacho with 19 minutes left.
Overall, it was a resilient performance under huge pressure and something to build on.
Antony chases down Luis Diaz – the Brazilian lacked the final pass despite some good runs
asmus Hojlund’s (left) wait for a first Premier League goal dragged on despite a clear chance
But there tough tests keep coming. West Ham may have shipped five goals at Fulham but they have also won at Tottenham, cruised to victory over Wolves and have impressed in the Europa League.
Villa at Old Trafford on Boxing Day easily has the potential to dampen spirits. Unai Emery’s side are increasingly being seen as title contenders, sitting just a point behind leaders Arsenal.
United should prove too strong for Nottingham Forest but given they had to fight back from two goals down in August’s meeting at Old Trafford, you just never know.
By the turn of the year, United could be back on the cusp of the top four, boosted by big players returning from injury and looking forward to 2024 with fresh optimism.
Or it could be yet more of the same inconsistency and pessimism.
