The Red Devils: (Through Gritted Teeth)

I mostly write about The Arsenal for obvious reasons, but shockingly not everyone is an Arsenal fan. What’s more absurd is that there are still Manchester United fans about. So, five days removed from the game, I revisited the Arsenal vs United match with a dash of bias, of course.

Manchester United hadn’t beaten the Gunners on their patch since the 2017–18 season, an emphatic 3–1 win. Since then, the Red Devils have been stuck in a seemingly infinite loop of hiring and firing managers in a so-far unsuccessful effort to recapture the glory days (brown envelope days).

Fast forward to last Sunday. Arsenal were coming off two consecutive goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, while United were soaring after their latest manager/coach departure and a win against Manchester City. On the day, Arsenal were poor and United took their chances, scoring some sensational goals. Mbeumo pounced on a weak back pass by Martin Zubimendi, and the strikes from Dorgu and Cunha were simply too good — and just too painful — for me to relive.

It’s only two games in, but the Michael Carrick era at United is off to a flying start. As much as their fans are an annoying bunch, a good United team makes for a better Premier League. Rivalries need fuel, and dominance is dull without resistance. With Manchester United unbothered by cup competitions for the rest of the season, they can focus on securing a top-five finish — which will get them into the Champions League next season (Top five is a trophy)

After all the turmoil and embarrassing results United have endured this season, they are currently sitting in fourth place. They’ve already scalped Manchester City and Arsenal, and while this is no Fergie-era campaign, they can still aim for something tangible. That alone is enough justification for flooding the streets and WhatsApp statuses with their dreaded red regalia.

If this kind of biased reflection, reluctant praise, and football therapy resonates, The Haberdashery is where these thoughts live — You’re welcome to browse, linger, or simply come back from time to time.