English Premier League: Fading United plot swift Swansea payback

Red Devils look to overcome shock FA Cup loss against Welsh club today.


Afp January 10, 2014
Should Manchester United lose to visiting Swansea City today, David Moyes’s side will have suffered four consecutive defeats from all competitions. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON:


Manchester United will look for immediate revenge against Swansea City on Saturday, a week after the Welsh club pulled off a shock victory at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.


Having lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the league and Sunderland in the League Cup – either side of last Sunday’s defeat by Swansea – United have lost their first three games of the year for the first time since 1932.

The New Year’s Day defeat by Spurs left David Moyes’ side 11 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League and striker Danny Welbeck has admitted that the defending champions face a struggle even to finish in the top four.

“Being a Manchester lad and being a United fan, there is extra passion inside me and it does hurt me when I see the team losing,” said Welbeck. “It hurts a lot to see United not winning.

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“I can understand why fans are concerned. We are not around the Champions League spots at the moment. We need to get our form back and just win the next matches.”

Chelsea eye top spot in Premier League

With leaders Arsenal not in action until Monday when they visit Aston Villa, third-placed Chelsea can take over at the top of the standings by winning at Hull City in Saturday’s early fixture.

Last season’s Europa League winners are yet to capture the imagination in this campaign, but midfielder John Mikel Obi believes that manager Jose Mourinho’s exacting methods are beginning to bear fruit.

“He always wants us to play in a certain way and give 110%,” said Mikel. “If you don’t, you’re out.

“You can see by the way we press up the pitch. That is important for the team and we’re doing well.”

Meanwhile, West Ham, who have conceded 11 goals in two games, having previously lost 5-0 at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, will find themselves second from bottom in the league table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Cardiff City.

In another fixture, Sunderland will hope to bridge the four-point gap that separates them from safety when they visit fifth-bottom Fulham.

On the other hand, third-bottom Crystal Palace, meanwhile, face Tottenham, who have climbed to sixth on the back of a four-game unbeaten run under rookie manager Tim Sherwood.

And another club with a new boss are West Bromwich Albion, who have appointed Spaniard Pepe Mel as head coach, although caretaker Keith Downing will remain in charge for Saturday’s trip to Southampton.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2014.

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