Manchester United might have a perfect secret weapon if next season goes to plan. Omar Berrada wants United to challenge for the title in the next two years, and there is a belief at Old Trafford that they could push on next season.
Experience in Title Races
United haven't hidden their ambition of winning the Premier League in the next two years, but there might be one obvious issue regarding the psychology of a title race if they get within touching distance. Arsenal finally reached the summit after three successive second-place finishes, two of which saw them throw away strong positions. It can take time to learn how to edge a tight battle over a 38-game season.
That is where experience can be a factor, especially if it proves to be a close race. Dealing with the pressure of a title race can take some getting used to, coping with nerves, having a lead, chasing, or playing first or second over a weekend.
The concern for United would be the lack of that within the squad. None of the current squad have any real experience of a title race at United, with third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton a peripheral figure in his first spell at the club as a young player. There isn't a single player in this United squad who has won the Premier League before, and none have really tasted a title race in England, even if there are league wins abroad. Michael Carrick is also in his first assignment in the Premier League, with just 17 games last season under his belt.
Steve Holland: The Secret Weapon
That could be an area of weakness if United defy the doubters and thrust themselves into contention next season, but there is one person heavily involved with the first team who could be something of a secret weapon. Steve Holland is Carrick's No. 2 and has seen it all. He has been to major tournaments with England, including European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. He knows what it means to play under pressure.
He also has plenty of experience of Premier League title races, having worked as No. 2 at Chelsea to Roberto Di Matteo, Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, and Antonio Conte. Holland, 56, knows the drumbeat of a title race and what is required in the closing weeks of the season. Should United overperform next term or even get into the mix a year later, his experience will be vital, having developed a strong rapport with Carrick since they arrived at United in January.
Carrick on Holland
Holland's know-how and experience were something Carrick touched on in an interview with the United We Stand fanzine this month. "He's just got really good experience and the level that he's worked amid changes that he's had to adapt to," he said. "Managers at Chelsea, coming through at Crewe and being there for a while, coaching and learning and then going with top players, going with England, World Cup pressure. All the intensity, expectation. It's just normal for him and I think that's a big part of being at this club, it needs to feel normal."
If United propel themselves into the title race next season or into the latter stages of the Champions League, there will be a shortage of experience, but Holland could be the man to make up the difference.
