As the dust finally settles at the end of another football season at club level, both teams based in Manchester, City and Utd will look back with regret at what could have been. While City can at least claim to be worthy Premier League champions, Utd could only finish second. While an improvement on the third place the previous season, they have ended up empty-handed again and their quest for their first trophy since 2017 continues.
A few weeks ago, everything seemed pretty rosy from both teams point of view. Man Utd’s last trophy was the Europa League and with their progression to the final having proven pretty straightforward hopes were high that some silverware would finally be making its way back to Old Trafford. Man City had convincingly dispatched all opposition on their relentless march towards their first Champions League final.
Where did it go wrong?
It must be said that both clubs were firm favourites with all online casino sites. The odds reflected their sensational form in these competitions and both were the choice on most gamblers and tipsters’ lips. Yet it was punters who fancy outsider bets who came up trumps in the end as both sides managed to conspire to fall at the final hurdle. Perhaps having a look at esports betting may have been a safer choice.
Man Utd lost a penalty shoot-out to the Spanish side Villareal after neither side could be separated after the completion of normal time and extra time. A horrific way to end their season and they were rightly upset collecting their runners up medals. Man City had a tough battle on their hands against fellow Premier League contenders Chelsea, who had managed to get the better of them in their previous recent meetings.
Bad luck and bad selections take their toll
Manchester Utd’s Premier League away victory over Aston Villa was to come at a heavy price. Harry Maguire, their ever-present central defender and one of their most expensive signings of all time suffered an injury which put his participation in the final in serious doubt. He subsequently missed all remaining games of the Premier League season to recover but fell short and missed the final. He would be replaced by Eric Bailly, but Utd would miss the efforts of their inspirational captain.
Man City made surprise changes to their starting lineup which had served them so well on their route to the final, by going for a more attack-minded side. Fernandinho, their captain and a defensive midfielder was sacrificed for playmaker Bernardo Silva. Possibly retiring at the end of this season and having been such a reliable performer for Man City, it was a strange omission that backfired spectacularly in their hard-fought match against eventual winners Chelsea.
What about the managers?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has improved the team dramatically since his tenure started off. A drab style of play under Jose Mourinho has been forgotten as fans embrace a return to the attacking values Manchester Utd are so well known for. While he has not yet been offered a new contract, many feel it is only a matter of time and it is believed he retains the full backing of the Man Utd board. Managers have come and gone since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, it’s very hard to compete with his win rate and work ethic.
Pep Guardiola of Man City only recently signed a new two deal towards the end of last year, extending his stay at the club until the end of the 22/23 season. It’s clear that Man City have faith in Pep, very well justified with the unprecedented levels of success he has brought to the club. Having won all domestic trophies available to him, it’s now the only victory in Europe that eludes him, which would make him even more legendary in the eyes of the already adoring masses of Man City fans.
Some players reach the end of the road
Both teams will be looking hard at the transfer market this summer after their respective failures in these important matches. While Man Utd had an impressive season, there is still much room for improvement. While they were unlucky with McGuire’s injury, there is a lingering feeling that his defensive partner Victor Lindelof is not up to the level required for a Man Utd player. It is as of yet undecided what will happen with Jesse Lingard, who is on loan at West Ham, however, Juan Mata will be leaving on a free transfer. David de Gea could also possibly leave, seemingly being more overshadowed by the progress of Dean Henderson.
As for Man City, Sergio Aguero has left on a free transfer to Barcelona. They will certainly miss his goals and all round contribution to the team. Rumours surround City this summer, as previously untouchable players come under scrutiny after their failure in the final. Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker and even Aymeric Laporte, defensive lynchpin until the arrival of Ruben Dias have all been mentioned as possible sales. All these transfer rumours and gossip make for an exciting summer of speculation for the fans.
Summary
Even more mouth watering is the prospect of Tottenham and England captain Harry Kane joining up with either side. Rumoured to want to leave Spurs in his desire to win trophies, a move to Manchester would surely further his cause. Erling Braut Haaland of Borussia Dortmund remains a target for both clubs, but it is unclear as to whether he will be making a move this summer. Clearly, Man City will require a superstar signing to cover the loss of Aguero.
Man Utd is still chasing playmaker Jadon Sancho and their other targets are said to be Declan Rice and Pau Torres, who would strengthen their midfield and defence respectively. All of the above come with hefty price tags, so it remains to be seen if Utd stump up the cash in what has been difficult times for all clubs due to the pandemic.
Either way, it looks to be an interesting summer for both clubs as they aim to regroup and come back even stronger for next season. Until it returns, punters who like to bet on the football can try their luck on a range of exciting themed casino slots if they can’t wait to have a flutter.
