After their win against Manchester City last week, the narrative was that United was in the title race.

Flattering but the last two results have shown that while progress has been made, United still have some way to go before they can launch a meaningful title charge.

It’s now back-to-back games where United have conceded late goals. The first came in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace thanks to a truly remarkable free kick from Michael Olise. Then more heartbreak came at the hands of Arsenal when Eddie Nketiah netted the winner in a 3-2 defeat.

Against Palace, United seemed to be in control for the majority of the game but despite Bruno Fernandes’ goal, it wasn’t enough to clinch all three points. Ten Hag looked furious after Olise’s equaliser and criticised his team’s lack of killer instinct.

The disappointment of the draw was only worsened by the fact that Casemiro picked up a fifth yellow card, meaning he was ruled out for the match against Arsenal. It was almost as if time slowed down when he threw himself into the foul that led to his booking. Given how important he has been in recent weeks for United, it must have been added motivation for Arsenal.

Despite his absence, United gave a good showing against Arsenal. Rashford opened the scoring with a wonderful long-range strike, but a lack of concentration defensively cost United as Nketiah levelled the score.

Saka scored early into the second half but United fought their way back with a goal from Lisandro Martinez, his first for the club with an impressive, improvised header. However, Arsenal continued to mount the pressure and eventually found a winner late on.

Given how tragic United and Arsenal have been over recent years, it was admittedly nice to see both squaring off in a meaningful top-of-the-table clash. It wasn’t quite like the Keane and Viera days, but both fixtures this season have produced high-quality affairs. Perhaps if both clubs continue on their upward trajectory, this fixture could once again be decisive in the outcome of the Premier League title in the future.

But for United to make that next step they need to improve their squad depth. This isn’t just saying to gut the team and replace everyone, because some players have shown great progress this season, such as Dalot and Wan Bissaka. However, there are areas that still need to be addressed, notably some midfield cover and number nine.

Fittingly Harry Kane has once again been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Will he actually join this time? No idea. Should United make a bid for him? Absolutely. The man’s goalscoring numbers are a joke and would fit Ten Hag’s Manchester United like a glove. But only time will tell if anything any of these rumours come to fruition.

Nevertheless, it’s been a challenging couple of days for Ten Hag and United. Two late goals will test the mental reserve of the squad and the manager’s job now is to rebuild the confidence and get them ready for a Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forrest, which hasn’t been played at the time of writing.

To some, it may only be the League Cup, but Ten Hag will know the importance that success can have on a squad like this. It could prove to be the catalyst for a change in mentality amongst this squad but first, they have to earn their place at Wembley.

After that United then host Reading at Old Trafford in the 4th round of the FA Cup. Another competition United should be aiming to win.

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