Gus Poyet believes Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are “better than people think”. Sunderland’s manager, preparing to take his struggling side to Old Trafford on Saturday, said: “I know it’s easier to see the negative side and I’m not saying they’re hitting the performances the manager is expecting or playing exactly the way Van Gaal wants but look at their results.”
Granted United lost at Swansea City last weekend but Poyet points to their run of one defeat in the 19 games before that. In the context of all the turbulence experienced in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure and David Moyes’ brief tenure, he regards such consistency as impressive.
“If Manchester United get into the top four with all the changes that have happened after Ferguson, it would be a big achievement,” said the Uruguayan, who feels that, for the moment at least, United’s ambitions should probably be on a par with those of Arsenal rather than Chelsea or Manchester City.
“Look at Arsenal,” he said. “They’re delighted when they’re in the top four, so why are United not delighted after what’s happened in the last two years. I think it’s going to be a decent season for them. There’s been a lot of negativity and it’s true they’ve spent money but they’re doing better than some people thought they would.”
With Van Gaal’s side currently fourth, one point behind Arsenal, one point ahead of Southampton and two in front of Liverpool, United will be anxious to secure victory at Sunderland’s expense.
Poyet, though, is anxious to reprise last spring’s Wearside win at Old Trafford. “When we won there last season it was the day I felt we were safe [from relegation],” he said. “Beating them again is the aim. We play at Hull on Tuesday and some people may think that’s the game we should target but we’ll try and beat Manchester United and then see about Hull.”
He trusts his United old boys John O’Shea and Wes Brown will stand firm at the heart of Sunderland’s defence on this latest return to Old Trafford. In the midst of a disappointing campaign at the Stadium of Light O’Shea, who turns 34 in April, has proved outstanding – and ever present.
“He’s played every minute of every league game and that tells you so much about him. It’s some achievement,” said Poyet. “Despite his age I’m not surprised. The way he’s going he could keep it up until the end of the season. Why not? He’s a good leader. He’s always willing to play. It was easy to make him captain.
“If you know John well, you realise why he played for United for so many years. We’re lucky to have him. He could still be playing regularly in a top-six team. A lot of players leave Manchester United and disappear – but not John. He’s still a big player.”
