There is a growing sense in England that Manchester United are headed in the right direction, having suffered nearly a decade of struggles. “I have a feeling United is coming back,” declared Pep Guardiola earlier this week. “Finally United is coming back, I have seen signals and I like what I’m seeing from United right now.”
After a disastrous start to his tenure, new United boss Erik ten Hag appears to have commanded an early authority and connection with his players and the Red Devils already reflect the Dutchman’s ideas on the pitch. Perhaps no player in the squad represents the revival from last season’s misery more than Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot, who this weekend earned mass praise for yet another impressive showing.
João Félix made a strong return to goalscoring form this weekend after a controversial few days with Atletico Madrid. The Portugal forward came off the bench to score twice and seemingly earn Atletico a draw at Cadiz, only for Los Rojiblancos to concede a stoppage-time winner in La Liga.
Manchester United 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol
André Silva scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season at the weekend to instigate a remarkable comeback by RB Leipzig away at Augsburg. With his side 3-0 down, the Portugal international struck with around twenty minutes remaining as Leipzig recovered to earn a point in a 3-3 draw in Germany.
The story of Cristiano Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United appears destined for a sad conclusion after the Portugal captain was banished from first-team duties by manager Erik ten Hag on Thursday.