CAPE TOWN – Watching the Premier League has been particularly hard this season. It’s been a one-horse-race which has seen Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool galloping towards the title without any challengers. As a Manchester United supporter, I’ve found that hard to take and to admit.
When United were conquering England and Europe on a regular basis, I always enjoyed it when the men from Anfield stuttered and lost games they should have won. But now that the shoe is on the other foot, it’s not nice.
Whether we like it or not, Liverpool have been awesome this season. If they keep on going at this rate and amass a record amount of points and wins, then there would be no doubt that it would be the most impressive Premier League campaign to date; better than Sir Alex Ferguson’s Treble winners in 1999, Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles in 2004, and Jose Mourinho’s special Chelsea that won back-to-back titles.
However, recent fears over the coronavirus have cast doubt over the campaign, with the Premier League admitting it didn’t know what would happen to the title should the season be called off. The answer is simple: Hand the trophy to Liverpool and proclaim them champions. They’ve been the best team by far, and it would be a great injustice if they didn’t get that official recognition.
The morale within the Liverpool first team has been one of the most important things that’s helped them reach the top of the tree. You can see how close their players are. They look like a bunch of people who really enjoy each other’s company, and they all love their boss. And it also helps that he’s a tactical genius whose heavy metal, high energy type of football is getting many admirers. They've simply been too good, and the near misses of of the past can now be forgotten.
While most Manchester United fans won’t admit it, it’s important for the club to take note of Liverpool’s fantastic campaign, and learn a thing or two. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have not had a season to remember, but their recent form suggests they might have turned the corner. Ole looks like he's back at the wheel.
Bruno Fernandes has been an important addition to for United, and his influence in bringing everyone closer cannot be overstated. The mood within the club looks much better, and a report on Wednesday morning even suggested Paul Pogba wanted a new contract to stay at Old Trafford. I'm most probably jumping the gun, but United and Liverpool could be going head-to-head for the title next season. We live in hope.
But that said, nothing, not even the coronavirus, can take anything away from Liverpool. They’ve been the best team in the league this season and they truly deserve to be crowned champions.