Does Manchester United have second place sewn up and sealed?

Manchester United exhibited a breathtaking brand of football as they registered a routine 2-0 over visiting Swansea City on Saturday in the Premier League.

Romelu Lukaku was quick to hand the Red devils an early lead with a fierce strike that was aided by a defection, before Alexis Sanchez scored his second goal for the club with a crisp strike in the 20th minute.

Although the hosts lowered the tempo after the interval, their defensive organization did just enough to hand David De Gea his 16th clean sheet of the Premier League campaign.

With United scoring more and conceding less, Jose Mourinho’s charges are assuredly on fine course to finish second on the Premier League log at the end of the season.

 

Stretched gap

Victory over Swansea had varying effects on both ends of the table, as it restored Manchester United’s two-point advantage over Liverpool whilst condemning the Swans to 15th on the standings; albeit just three points above the drop zone.

Carlos Carvalhal now has an almighty task in his hands as he prepares to maintain Swansea City’s Premier League status with a daunting gauntlet of games in the final stretch of the season.

United had little option but to win seeing as Liverpool had sprung to second with a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park in an early fixture- further highlighting their desire to finish as runners-up.

 

Game in hand

United could further stretch their lead over third placed Liverpool with a positive result in the Manchester derby next weekend; one that will not only cement their place in second but also ensure City do not get crowned champions right in front of their faces.

Furthermore, Liverpool’s trip to Goodison Park for the fierce Merseyside derby this coming weekend could present another opportunity to add onto the advantage should United themselves emerge with a result from the Etihad.

 

Title contenders

Manchester United were, by and large, credible title contenders this season, second only to Manchester City whose bullish run of form has seen them deservedly merit the Premier League crown.

Jose Mourinho’s barricades however still have to secure a second place finish as surety that indeed only a stronger, well drilled team stood between them and Premier League glory.

 

Written by Brian Humphrey

Follow Brian on Twitter @brihum

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