The Devils' Advocate podcast co-host Gaz Drinkwater does not believe Manchester United can challenge for the Premier League title this season after their loss at Hull City on the opening weekend and says his "optimism has gone" for the new season.
Michael Carrick's side were looking to build on a strong end to last season and a third-placed finish after struggling under his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. However, Saturday's surprise defeat has led to some United fans rethinking their ambitions for this campaign.
Drinkwater said: "I did not think Manchester United were going to win the Premier League title this season but the best thing about pre-season is that deluded optimism that you can have that maybe, who knows? And that's gone after one game.
"That's not me being overly dramatic because I'm specifically talking about winning the league. I thought maybe we would get to January and February with the squad we've assembled and a few more players, and maybe we could be within eight points, 10 points, and then you just never know. Let's keep it going, it could be fun.
"And then straight away you know if you're playing like that against a newly promoted side, who are the worst team in the division, you're winning diddly squat. You're not challenging for the Premier League."
On a more optimistic note, YouTuber Tom Cooney said he believes the players will want to kick on in their next game against Ipswich Town and the loss to Hull shouldn't be a "disaster".
"They should be itching to get back out, get a good result against a newly promoted side at home and kick on," he said.
"I don't think we're the only team that's looked like we've been caught a little bit cold this weekend. I wouldn't expect it to rumble on. I would hope not."
Leave a Comment