Depending on which side of Manchester you’re rooting for, it’s either you love or hate what 2022 has brought in so far.
If you’re a Red Devils fan, it’s likely you’re having a miserable week despite them moving up to fourth in the Premier League table. On the other hand, the sky is looking brighter than ever on the blue side of Manchester.
Elsewhere, Everton and West Ham United are also experiencing contrasting fortunes and their activities (or lack thereof) during the January transfer window are haven’t talked about much.
As the Premier League is about to resume following the international break, allow SBOTOP to recap of some of the most relevant Premier League 2022 news.
Manchester United’s trophy drought continues
It’s been five years since the Red Devils won a trophy and such trend will continue after last night’s debacle in the FA Cup. Manchester United were dealt with a shocking upset by Championship side Middlesbrough in a game that was not without controversy.
Jadon Sancho put the hosts up by one goal in the first half and it felt like Manchester United are about to have a field day since they had more total shots and shots on target compared to their visitors (30 and 9 compared to 6 and 3).
But come the 64th-minute, everything changed when Matt Crooks scored the equaliser after Duncan Watmore clearly handballed. Ralf Rangnick was understandably furious when the VAR ruled that it was accidental.
The succeeding penalty shootout when down to the wire up until Anthony Elanga missed his attempt and Middlesbrough are now into the next round.
Off the field, Manchester United were also dubbed as one of the losers in the January transfer window.
United’s depth has been compromised as Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial left town, while Mason Greenwood is out for the foreseeable future because he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and death threats towards his ex-girlfriend.
We all knew before that the size of Ralf Rangnick’s task in United is going to be very difficult, and sometimes it makes you wonder on whether the German will look to stay as manager after the next few months.
Manchester City got even stronger
In stark contrast, it’s all fun for Manchester City as their season is going to get even better.
After months of searching for a striker, they finally got their man in Julian Alvarez. Although he isn’t an established name yet, the young Argentinian has huge upside and he could end up as a bargain in years to come.
Certainly he will flourish under Pep Guardiola, especially since the manager was quite ecstatic after confirming his signing.
Other than that, the Sky Blues are bound to have at least one trophy this season. Their Premier League 2022 odds have never been higher as they have at least a nine-point lead at the top of the table and they’re still alive in the FA Cup.
I’m sure they’ll be satisfied to win the Premier League again this season, but we all know that getting that elusive Champion League trophy is their top objective since it’s the only one missing from their trophy case.
Everton ready to roll under new regime
The Toffees are bound to have a turnaround since they’ve overhauled their team in these past few weeks. As they’re sitting at 16th at the table as of this writing, perhaps re-entering the top 10 is a realistic objective.
They sacked Rafa Benitez and brought in Frank Lampard. And then in the transfer window, they’ve strengthened their midfield with the additions of Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek.
Alli and van de Beek have a chance to resurrect their careers after not having played much for Tottenham and Manchester United respectively. Both of them are capable of adding another creative element to Everton to further aid their forwards in the final third.
Other than Alli and van de Beek, Everton have added two new full-backs in Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson who can fill in the void left by Lucas Digne, and they’ve also brought in Anwar El Ghazi who can provide competition for the likes of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend.
No new recruits for West Ham United
The Hammers, meanwhile, have been one of the biggest losers in the transfer market as they’ve missed out on all of their top targets. Failing to sign a single player might prove to be disastrous in the club’s objective to return to Europe for next season.
West Ham United have already lost back-to-back against Manchester United and Leeds United. But despite a lighter schedule ahead, it could be a challenge for them to keep up especially with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham all competing for European berths.
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