The situation at Manchester United is eerily similar to Chelsea

Chelsea came into the season as one of the Premier League’s title favorites. The three clubs that could also boast that title following some fantastic summer acquisitions were Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. The top four was seemingly set before a ball was even kicked in the minds of many, but the Premier League table looks a bit different right now than anticipated. The Blues, Reds and Citizens make up the top three but one has to scroll all the way down to seventh to find the Red Devils.

A lot has been made of the open managerial job at Newcastle United recently, but it’s not farfetched to say Chelsea fans should be more concerned with what’s going on at Old Trafford. The Blues should keep a close eye on other big six rivals anyway, Man United requires special attention though. The Red Devils are in a similar position to Chelsea earlier this year when the west London club sacked club legend Frank Lampard, if not more well off.

Twitter pundits never failed to enjoy a good—and always objective—debate about which of the three managers in the big six were better: Mikel Arteta, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Lampard. It seems easy enough to claim it’s one of the latter two given the fact they are still employed, but that’s not exactly telling the whole story as it relates to Lampard. The three are incredibly alike, aside from the fact Solskjaer had more experience going into his current job. The other two are younger and more promising. It’s not farfetched to say all three are (or were, in Lampard’s case) in over their heads taking charge of these footballing giants.

Although Lampard’s sacking was regarded as harsh by many (myself included), it also shows the ambitions of the club. Arsenal and Man United have tolerated mediocrity for far too long and it seems the latter is now finally snapping back to reality and joining the reigning European Champions. This is a dangerous prospect if the Red Devils appoint the right manager; the blueprint for success is right in front of them. It’s one all too familiar with Chelsea fans. The Blues cut ties with Lampard and brought in a manager (Thomas Tuchel) capable of taking his experienced team to new tactical heights. Less than six months after “Super Frank” laid the foundation for continued success, Tuchel won the club its second ever Champions League trophy.

There is now reason to fear Man United once again if it does decide to part ways with Solskjaer. Available managers such as Antonio Conte could have the same impact at the club that Tuchel had at Chelsea. The Premier League is in a bit of a transitional period right now with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s departures in the relatively near future looming. Man City and Liverpool are still juggernauts, but each club will face crucial decision in coming years that determines whether or not they stay on top. As things stand, the Blues are the only side definitively trending upward. That is, unless a manager of Conte’s caliber takes charge at Old Trafford.

Man United has the core to succeed. The Red Devils have young phenoms (Mason Greenwood),  stars in their prime (Bruno Fernandes) and footballing legends (Cristiano Ronaldo) that make up the side. They have had this much success—relative to their ambitions—in the past under a tactically inept gaffer, imagine if a proper coach gets his hands on the side. It can be argued the make-up of Man United is actually in a better place than Chelsea was just seven months ago.

The Red Devils and Blues have been the Premier League’s most successful sides since the competition’s inception. They have also both had their ups and downs, but they seem to trend in the same direction. Man United’s looming managerial decision will dictate whether or not it’s able to set itself up for long-term success, like Chelsea, or whether it joins the Arsenal’s and Tottenham’s in the middle of the table. This decision is something Blues supporters will definitely want to keep an eye on, especially if former boss Conte is appointed manager.

What do you make of the state of both clubs? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!