Just for comparison's sake:
After 27 games played in 2020-21: 53 points, 55 goals scored, 32 conceded
After 27 games played last season: 47 points, 44 goals scored, 34 conceded
After 27 games played this season: 50 points, 41 goals scored, 37 conceded
They've not hugely improved in the slightest. They're the same. Smack bang in the middle of where they've been for the last few years in total mediocrity, with a Burnley striker up top to prove it. Their "tactical improvement" has led to fewer goals scored, more conceded, and the same points total.
In fact, when I rarely sit down to watch them, they look less dynamic and attacking than they did in the highs of Ole. They're dull, they packed their own box against Newcastle, they've cheated their way to a win against us and a couple of other very dodgy results, and yes, they might win the fucking Europa League, which they also did under Mourinho, but nobody really gives a flying fuck. They finished second under Mourinho, too, but did it help? Was it part of some big resurgence? Are United back, actually challenging for the league? Course not.
They're still shit, and they even set a record for shitness when one of the weakest Liverpool sides in recent times routed them. The only difference this season is that Liverpool, Chelsea, and Spurs have all decided to be a bit shitter and might therefore gift them a CL spot. But, even that is still very much to play for. It only takes one of Pool or Spurs to get their act together and we'll see what happens.
The media, for the millionth time, is trying to push this narrative that they're SO much better under ETH. They're not. You only have to watch them to see it. Sure, getting rid of the prima donna was a good move (that any manager with a modicum of sense would have made) and they've shown glimpses of being a bit better-organised from time to time, which is basically thanks to Casemiro, but they're not suddenly some world-beating side.
They've been insanely reliant on a suddenly in-form Rashford (and we all know how long his 'form' usually lasts) and Casemiro dragging them through games. And you see what happens when the former stops firing and the latter is suspended; they go back to the same old dreary, forgettable, mid-table football we've seen from them over the last decade.
Casemiro aside, their signings have been shit. Antony's as shit as his beard. Malacia is a walking foul machine. Weghorst feels like some sort of Beadle's About prank. And Martinez is just about alright but I don't think he'd walk into any top club defence. And as long as ETH keeps up his myopic insistence of bringing over average players from the Dutch league, they'll continue to make bad choices and have an average, laughable team masquerading as the Harlem Globetrotters of football.
And we'll continue dominating.
