Something almost unbelievable happened at Old Trafford on Sunday Manchester United led at halftime. That’s right. Under Ruben Amorim, this had happened only once before, way back in December against Everton. This time, against Arsenal, Bruno Fernandes’ inch-perfect free-kick gave United a rare first-half lead.
But let’s call it what it is United’s first halves this season have been painful. In Amorim’s 26 games, they’ve scored before the break in just seven.
They’ve led at halftime five times, but even then, they’ve thrown away the advantage three times. The pattern is clear: United start games like they’re sleepwalking.
Look at the Arsenal game. For 44 minutes, it was the same old story ultra-deep 5-4-1, no attacking intent, no runners ahead of the ball.
Onana tried launching a quick attack at one point, only to find Garnacho as the only player in an advanced position. That’s not a counterattack it’s a cry for help.
Then, out of nowhere, boom Fernandes curls in a beauty. And suddenly, United wake up. The second half? A completely different team.
They attacked, they pressed, they made Arsenal sweat. Raya pulled off big saves. Hojlund had chances. This was the United fans want to see.
So why does it take a goal to get United going? Amorim admits it himself his team needs to feel their way into games. “We believe more during the games,” he said. In other words, United don’t start with confidence; they grow into it.
But here’s the reality United cannot afford to keep ghosting first halves. This is Manchester United, not a team trying to survive. Amorim knows it.
The fans know it. And on Thursday, against Real Sociedad, they have no choice but to come out swinging. Because this season is on the line.
It’s time for United to start playing like the club they are from minute one.
