Football 
Mixed martial arts Mikael Silvestre: Bournemouth Result Showed Leadership, That is Needed to get United back in the Top 4
After having a jittery start to the 2022-23 season, Manchester United have turned it around and are now 4th in the Premier League table, level on points with 3rd-placed Newcastle United.
The bettingexpert team sat down with former Manchester United defender, Mikael Silvestre who gave his thoughts on the win and the road ahead for the Red Devils.
In this article:
The Win over Bournemouth
The Red Devils got the job done at Old Trafford on 3rd January, beating Bournemouth, 3-0.
Former French international Silvestre noted that one would consider Bournemouth an easy game for United at Old Trafford but their performances this past season doesn’t make that a certainty, which makes their win even more impressive.
“It was a good win. Kept a clean sheet, scored three.”
“Bournemouth is a team you usually expect to beat at home at the start of the season, but given the experiences of the last few months, it’s not that one-sided for United. Good win.”
He then went on to say that United’s World Cup participants returning, performing at the same level, contributed to the win, especially Luke Shaw.
“Players coming back from the World Cup with a good dynamic and Luke Shaw last night was a good example, on the back of his good performance at the World Cup. He showed some class movement, offensively and defensively. That’s what you like to see.”
“Overall, the satisfaction is that the players who came back – Fernandes, Casemiro, Varane, even though he didn’t start, they all came back and looked positive. Physically and mentally, they are ready and they are being leaders on the pitch. And that is needed for United in getting back to the top four.”
Marcus Rashford’s Form & Future
Marcus Rashford continued his fine form in the Bournemouth matchup, scoring yet another goal. The Englishman scored in his fourth successive club game (across all competitions) and his total league tally stands at seven goals and three assists in 15 appearances.
Silvestre pointed to Rashford’s increased confidence as the reason behind this renaissance and also mentioned that he has the support of the people in the city for his actions on and off the field.
“It’s about confidence. When he had difficulties performing, he had a drop in his self-belief. He was also having difficulties when the team was having difficulties. He was no different from other players.”
“When you’re a forward and you’re judged on statistics, it was obvious that he had a dip in form.”
“But, he kept his head down and concentrated on working and he dealt with it really well and the turnaround was fast.”
“He’s a Manchester boy and he knows he has the backing. Everybody was hoping that he’d be successful on the pitch again because of who he is and what he’s done off the pitch as well.”
The Red Devils are a bit short when it comes to the centre-forward spot and they also missed out on signing Cody Gakpo, who joined arch-rivals Liverpool instead. Rashford has been mentioned as a solution up front but Silvestre believes that if Rashford has to thrive as a centre-forward, he needs a partner up there with him.
“I think if he was to play as a nine, he needs to play with a partner. If he’s a lone striker, I don’t think it suits his game. But if he’s playing with another forward, or an attacking midfielder close to him and can combine with him, he’ll be better suited and utilise the space in a more effective manner.”
“He’s the typical modern forward in a way that he can play on both wings and also centrally.”
United’s Chances in the FA Cup
Erik ten Hag’s side will be in FA Cup action next as they host Everton on Friday. Silvestre, a 2003-04 FA Cup winner, talked about why the competition is important considering its prestige and how winning it could be a confidence booster for ten Hag and his men.
“The FA Cup remains and should remain a big one because of its history. For United especially, a trophy is needed sooner or later for Erik ten Hag and his new coaching staff and the players.”
He, however, did conclude that player workload management will be crucial, considering the busy schedule that United have.
“This cup is important. On the flip side, you know you have to keep the players fresh and rotate because it’s a busy schedule.”
