Patience is a quality. It’s hard to come by in football.
Every player, manager, and club is roughly four games away from a catastrophe in a never-ending tornado of matches, storylines, and scrutiny. This is especially true at Manchester United.
Mason Mount has already been in the limelight this week after an encouraging debut against the Wolves. He wasn’t great, nor was he terrible; he was in the centre of the pack, like the most of his colleagues.
Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United is looking for younger players. They are not purchasing the finished product, despite the high transfer costs.
With the exception of Andre Onana, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen, United’s reinforcements have all been under the age of 25, which is considered young in football. Particularly to deal with the pressures of playing for Manchester United.
Some of United’s young players, one would think, have more to offer. Antony has received a lot of attention after scoring four Premier League goals in his first season at Old Trafford. Certainly not suitable of an £80 million purchase.
But the Brazilian is just 23 years old and has relocated from the Netherlands to a new nation, a new league, and a new world of scrutiny. Sure, Ajax is a huge club, but the Eredivisie lacks the attention of the Premier League.
Manchester United will be hoping that supporters moderate their expectations of Rasmus Hojlund as well. Although the 20-year-old came for a large sum of money, he will also need time to adjust to a new division.
Manchester City’s new acquisitions haven’t always struck the ground running in their first season. In fact, it is commonly believed that players need a year under Pep Guardiola before reaching their peak.
Recent examples are Rodri, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Leroy Sane. Kalvin Phillips scarcely played last year and will be hoping to be in the same boat in a year.
“It’s a mixture, so the most important thing is that we [the players and the manager] agree,” Guardiola said. “It’s all the players sitting down together and deciding if they want to play all in that way, which is perfect for me.”
“Every player will decide how they play for their own convenience, and they will not consider what is best for their teammate.” Every player has his or her unique style of play.”
Ten Hag has similar ideals, he understands his concept, and there may be an adjustment phase. His expectations include subtle subtleties that might take some time to acclimatise to.
So, although United supporters want to see an immediate return on their summer purchases, they must remain patient. The hope is that Antony will push on and have a stronger season a year after his big-money transfer.
If Hojlund and Mount don’t instantly catch fire at Old Trafford, the same may be said about them. United’s youthful, though expensive, additions need time, which is seldom available in sports.
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