Two decades ago, Manchester United had just been overtaken by Arsenal, briefly, and a newly-rich Chelsea. After winning the title in 2002/03, it was not until 2006/07 we regained it.
Looking back, that seems like just a brief interlude amid a long stretch of Sir Alex Ferguson led dominance.
At the time, fans feared the three-year hiatus might turn into what we are experiencing today, a decade-plus long drop-off with no sign of consistent improvement.
Back then, Manchester United had Cristiano Ronaldo, who was able to haul us out of the doldrums. Is Alejandro Garnacho capable of doing the same?
Alejandro Garnacho praised
Alejandro Garnacho scored two goals against Chelsea last night and looked to have set the team on the way to victory.
A late collapse saw the 3-2 win turn into a 4-3 loss, despite the Argentina international‘s best efforts.
Garnacho’s brace matched a record set by Michael Owen 25 years ago, the last teenager to score two goals in one game, in three separate premier League matches in one season.
His efforts were praised by former United defender Wes Brown, who compared his growth to his former teammate Ronaldo.
The Champions League winning defender picked out Ronaldo’s ability with both feet, pointing out how Garnacho is demonstrating similar abilities.
Brown told MUTV’s Matchday Review: “He’s took it [to] another level and he’s been one of our most outstanding players this season and you have to give him credit. He’s still doing it today. He’s positive in his play. He attacks defenders. He’s starting to make defenders really worried when he gets into these little bit of spaces, to panic a little bit.”
“He’s not afraid, obviously to shoot with his left. I think his favourite, as you can see with his celebrations is Ronaldo, who scores of both feet. So he’s obviously been practising that and he’s more than happy going inside and and doing that as well.
“It’s practice and the confidence to do it. The impact he brings to the team is incredible really.”
Big ask for Garnacho to inspire era of success
When Cristiano Ronaldo really stepped up, he inspired three consecutive Premier League titles and a Champions League win.
Can Alejandro Garnacho get anywhere near that? We would settle for just one, let alone three.
United’s era of success then was sparked by a League Cup win in 2006. Last season we hoped the 2023 trophy win would provide a similar springboard.
It hasn’t happened. United are still in the mix for the FA Cup,into the semi-final. But on the basis of the last couple of games, getting past Coventry City is no guarantee.