Learn more
English Premier League: Manchester City are not invincible, rejuvenated United can close Premier League gap, says Forlan
- Manchester United preparing for 11th attempt to win Premier League since last title
- Ex-Old Trafford striker Forlan convinced improving United can challenge rivals City
Diego Forlan has tipped Manchester United to mount a Premier League title challenge this season, and insisted Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City are “not invincible”.
While their neighbours got the season under way with a 3-0 win away at Burnley, United begin the new campaign on Monday against Wolves, with both sides having faced turmoil off the pitch in the build up to the opening weekend.
For United, the saga surrounding the ownership of the club has rumbled on with seemingly no end in sight, while their opponents were forced to change manager this week, as Gary O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui.
Still, the Old Trafford side made some positive strides under Erik ten Hag last season, and despite finishing 14 points and two places behind City, who also lost to in the FA Cup final, ended the club’s six-year wait for silverware with Carabao Cup success.
United, who last won the title in 2013, completed the £72 million (US$9.6 million) transfer of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta this week, after signing goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan, and England international midfielder Mason Mount during the summer.
The elephant in the room remains the ongoing 18-year Glazer ownership of the club. Fans will demonstrate against the Americans before Monday’s game, and a 60-minute sit-in is planned after this month’s home meeting with Nottingham Forest.
“It is difficult for me to comment on the ownership … what I want is for the club to be successful, like it was back when I was playing and previously,” Forlan told the Post.
“I don’t know what the decision will be [whether Glazers sell after inviting bids last year] and who will own the club. But we want United to reach the heights we know they can.
“They played well in the Cup final against Manchester City, it was close, not like the beginning of the season when there was a big difference between the teams. City are the team to beat, but they are not invincible. Arsenal managed a draw, then won on penalties in the Community Shield last week.
“The United-City rivalry has grown much stronger over the years. Manchester United are reaching that level [attained by City], with the players they have and a good manager, who had a strong first year.
“The best players stayed and they added good quality. Hopefully, United can fight for the title and it is vital, at least, for the club to qualify for the Champions League.”
Forlan was 22 when he joined Manchester United from Argentina side Independiente in January 2002.
He scored 17 goals in 97 appearances, and it wasn’t until he left for Spaniards Villarreal that the South American entered his career’s most prolific years.
Forlan took 27 games to get off the mark for United, too. But the club’s supporters adored the Uruguayan for his industry and aggression.
And Forlan, in Hong Kong as part of the contingent supporting Manchester United U16s’ visit to the city, insisted Hojlund would guarantee a place in the United faithful’s good books by demonstrating similarly tenacious qualities.
“Of course, the fans expect goals and great performances but if they see you are giving everything for the club, they will love you,” Forlan said. “When he gets his chance, he needs to work like crazy, then his quality will show through.”
Forlan managed both Penraol and Atenas de San Carlos in his homeland but neither spell lasted more than eight months.
He sold forward Facundo Pellistri from Penarol to Manchester United in 2020 and hopes the talented 21-year-old “can gain more time on the pitch” after a quiet 2022-23.
And while the 44-year-old acknowledged missing “everything involved” with the game, he said the travel as a manager was not something he wanted with a wife and four children at home.
“I miss them when I am away for one week, I have other priorities, being with family and friends, and doing this sort of job [with United],” Forlan said. “I own a third division team in Uruguay with my brother and we enjoy that.
“I had my time playing. Now I am watching as a fan and hoping for the best. In the past year I have been to Miami, Los Angeles, New York and Chile [with United].
“For them to ask me to come to Hong Kong is a privilege. I am very lucky and really appreciate it.”
Diego Forlan has tipped Manchester United to mount a Premier League title challenge this season, and insisted Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City are “not invincible”.
While their neighbours got the season under way with a 3-0 win away at Burnley, United begin the new campaign on Monday against Wolves, with both sides having faced turmoil off the pitch in the build up to the opening weekend.
For United, the saga surrounding the ownership of the club has rumbled on with seemingly no end in sight, while their opponents were forced to change manager this week, as Gary O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui.
Still, the Old Trafford side made some positive strides under Erik ten Hag last season, and despite finishing 14 points and two places behind City, who also lost to in the FA Cup final, ended the club’s six-year wait for silverware with Carabao Cup success.
United, who last won the title in 2013, completed the £72 million (US$9.6 million) transfer of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta this week, after signing goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan, and England international midfielder Mason Mount during the summer.
The elephant in the room remains the ongoing 18-year Glazer ownership of the club. Fans will demonstrate against the Americans before Monday’s game, and a 60-minute sit-in is planned after this month’s home meeting with Nottingham Forest.
“It is difficult for me to comment on the ownership … what I want is for the club to be successful, like it was back when I was playing and previously,” Forlan told the Post.
“I don’t know what the decision will be [whether Glazers sell after inviting bids last year] and who will own the club. But we want United to reach the heights we know they can.
“They played well in the Cup final against Manchester City, it was close, not like the beginning of the season when there was a big difference between the teams. City are the team to beat, but they are not invincible. Arsenal managed a draw, then won on penalties in the Community Shield last week.
“The United-City rivalry has grown much stronger over the years. Manchester United are reaching that level [attained by City], with the players they have and a good manager, who had a strong first year.
“The best players stayed and they added good quality. Hopefully, United can fight for the title and it is vital, at least, for the club to qualify for the Champions League.”
Forlan was 22 when he joined Manchester United from Argentina side Independiente in January 2002.
He scored 17 goals in 97 appearances, and it wasn’t until he left for Spaniards Villarreal that the South American entered his career’s most prolific years.
Forlan took 27 games to get off the mark for United, too. But the club’s supporters adored the Uruguayan for his industry and aggression.
And Forlan, in Hong Kong as part of the contingent supporting Manchester United U16s’ visit to the city, insisted Hojlund would guarantee a place in the United faithful’s good books by demonstrating similarly tenacious qualities.
“Of course, the fans expect goals and great performances but if they see you are giving everything for the club, they will love you,” Forlan said. “When he gets his chance, he needs to work like crazy, then his quality will show through.”
Forlan managed both Penraol and Atenas de San Carlos in his homeland but neither spell lasted more than eight months.
He sold forward Facundo Pellistri from Penarol to Manchester United in 2020 and hopes the talented 21-year-old “can gain more time on the pitch” after a quiet 2022-23.
And while the 44-year-old acknowledged missing “everything involved” with the game, he said the travel as a manager was not something he wanted with a wife and four children at home.
“I miss them when I am away for one week, I have other priorities, being with family and friends, and doing this sort of job [with United],” Forlan said. “I own a third division team in Uruguay with my brother and we enjoy that.
“I had my time playing. Now I am watching as a fan and hoping for the best. In the past year I have been to Miami, Los Angeles, New York and Chile [with United].
“For them to ask me to come to Hong Kong is a privilege. I am very lucky and really appreciate it.”