Manchester United last lifted the Premier League crown in the 2012/13 season in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge of the Red Devils. United were not outstanding during the campaign judged by the triumphs of Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years that swept away all comers. Ferguson’s men lost five games on their way to the title, beating out their nearest rivals City by 11 points. It was a masterclass from Ferguson squeezing out the remaining pips of an ageing team.
Robin van Persie was nothing short of sensational, scoring 26 times in the Premier League following his move from Arsenal. Wayne Rooney was on point with 12 goals, while Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa were also impressive in the final third. United claimed the title based on their prowess in front of goal, notching 86 goals over the course of the campaign. They conceded the highest amount of goals in the top four at 43, although five of those came on the final day of the season in a crazy 5-5 draw against West Brom at The Hawthorns.
That United were a well-oiled machine. The addition of Van Persie was the perfect complement to the team, pushing them over the line whereas in the previous season they were undone by Manchester City and Sergio Aguero on the final day of the term. The Dutchman provided the additional firepower that was required, while the veteran team had the belief to grind out results on a continual basis. An 18-game unbeaten run in the heart of the season was the foundation of their surge to the crown, which was only halted by Manchester City. However, Ferguson and his men regrouped and won the title with four games to spare.
The Red Devils were relentless more often than not under the Scot. Even when they lacked the talent of their rivals, they were always there and thereabouts. Since his departure the club have not sniffed the title, the closest coming in the 2017/18 season under the tenure of Jose Mourinho when they placed second. However, even then, United finished 19 points off the pace of Manchester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has battled his critics since replacing the Portuguese in the dugout in December 2018. United have looked capable at times under his tenure, but there have also been far too many poor results. The struggles of Liverpool and Manchester City in the first half of the 2020/21 season could allow the Red Devils to enjoy their first attempt at claiming the crown since 2013. When visiting Space Casino betting on football you can back United at 13/2 to win the Premier League. Results such as their 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield prove they are capable of grinding out necessary points that could make all the difference down the stretch.
However, United have lost the winning culture they built under Ferguson. There appears to be a lack of belief that they can maintain their standing in the title race even with Liverpool’s defensive injuries and City’s issues in the final third. Both their rivals underwent lengthy droughts without the top-flight crown. Unless United rediscover their aura that they notoriously built under Ferguson it could be a long time before they hoist the trophy aloft at Old Trafford once more.