Manchester United began 2014 with a run of six wins under their belts and in a high of 6th place.
The Red Devils are still playing in all four competitions with January bringing Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup ties.
United’s first match of 2014 was a Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur, with new manager Tim Sherwood facing United for the first time and Spurs also looking to climb higher in the table this was set to be a highly contested match. Their first meeting earlier this season ended 2-2 but Spurs had more experienced former manager Andre Villas Boas still at the helm.
United made an energetic start but conceded a goal at the 34th minute by a back in favour Emmanuel Adebayor.
More misery was heaped on the Red Devils when United went 2-0 down after a 66th minute header from Christian Eriksen. Danny Welbeck pulled one back for the home side a minute later causing a burst of excitement and a series of attacks resulting in 13 corners in total for David Moyes men, but the game ultimately finished 2-1 to Spurs ending United’s unbeaten run.
Throughout the 90 minutes United were denied crucial decisions including a penalty appeal when Welbeck was clipped in the box and in the dying moments of the game when goal-keeper Hugo Lloris took out Ashley Young.
Tim Sherwood has now managed Spurs five times and is so far still unbeaten in the league, while this is United’s fourth loss at home this season and leaves them in 7th place ahead of their next Premier League game against Swansea City.
But first they must play them in the FA Cup.
Swansea’s first match of 2014 was a tough home game against Manchester City. The Swan’s displayed much courage with Wilfried Bony scoring twice but were ultimately outplayed, losing 3-2. After a valiant effort 13th placed Swansea will be hoping to cause an upset in the FA Cup.
With the transfer window freshly opened and United linked to some exciting prospects the second half of the season looks promising.
Prior to the Spurs defeat United seemed to be on the right track so some good results and a new squad addition or two can only help their charge towards the top.
Can United pull it back? Let us know your thoughts below.