Life after Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be difficult, but few predicted the slide the club have had. To say the Red Devils have collapsed would be overstating it, but the David Moyes saga of 2013/14 was followed by Louis van Gaal’s drab reign, leaving the club with just one piece of silverware since the Scot stepped aside.
In truth, the way they play has altered dramatically, with the swashbuckling attacks of the ‘Fergie’ days almost forgotten, especially through LVG’s period at the helm, but there are signs that the good times are coming back thanks to Jose Mourinho.
They say third time lucky, and the Portuguese tactician has certainly brought back the Ferguson feel, with his team the best crossers in the Premier league this season, according to data courtesy of EA SPORTS.
Manchester United – 139
Swansea City – 137
Southampton – 121
Crystal Palace – 120
West Bromwich Albion – 97
Liverpool – 96
West Ham United – 96
Middlesbrough – 95
Watford – 95
Man United’s 139 completed crosses is the highest return of any side in the division
Interestingly, Antonio Valencia also tops the individual crossing rankings, with his 39 working out as one every 54.7 minutes of game time – again the best return of any single player.
This makes this season a post-‘Fergie’ first, with the club having not topped both of these tables since his departure in 2013.
Data Courtesy of EA SPORTS, the Lead Partner of the Premier League.
