football | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 4:24 PM

Silvestre on United's Title Hopes

Devang Prasad

We’re now halfway through the month of February and Manchester United still find themselves fighting across all fronts. Something that United fans and the football world would not have expected at the start of the season. After their 2-0 win against fierce rivals Leeds at Elland Road, United find themselves 5 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

To discuss United’s hopes of potentially winning their 21st league title, we sat down with a man that knows what it takes to win. Mikael Silvestre won four league titles with United and shared his thoughts on the club’s aspirations for the remainder of the season.

In this article:

Manchester United are not ready to win the title yet
No pressure on United for the title but if they’re close to Arsenal and Man City in two months, then why not

Manchester United are not ready to win the title yet

When Erik ten Hag was appointed as the Manchester United manager during April of last year, he walked into a football club in need of a complete reboot. Any suggestions of United winning a 21st league title would have been scoffed at. The aim at a bare minimum would have been a top four finish and a cup run. This would set United up for next season where a potential title push would be a more realistic hope.

However, ten Hag has worked his magic at Old Trafford this season. Acquiring the services of Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro and centre half Lisandro Martinez has added a steely determination to the spine of the United team. Something that has been severely missing for many years. The pair alongside the likes of Christian Erisken, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and more recently Marcel Sabitzer has given the Reds Devils squad a much needed makeover.

According to Silvestre, however, more work is needed in the coming months if United are to truly be involved in a title race next season. As currently assembled Silvestre doesn’t believe United have enough in their locker despite the progress made under ten Hag this season.

“No, I think Man United are a while away from having a chance of winning the title. They are punching above their weight but on the other hand they know that they are not meant to win the title this year.

“It’s not the plan to win it right now.”

No pressure on United for the title but if they’re close to Arsenal and Man City in two months, then why not

Silvestre reiterated by saying that there is no title pressure on United and that is okay as the club’s main aim is to improve.

He did, however, add that if they’re still close to Arsenal and Man City in two months, then a title charge is possible.

“But everything can happen and if they are still close to Arsenal and Man City in two months, then why not? But they are not there yet, which is normal. So I don’t think they should feel any pressure. It’s also a better feeling if you can sneak in and steal the title as an underdog at the last moment.”