As the season builds up to the pinnacle, one team that is looking to get a good start in the league is Manchester United. After finishing 3rd last season and qualifying for the Champions League, United will look to build on a strong end from last season. Ole Gunnar Soljskaer has persistently mentioned the need to reinstil the winning mentality back at Old Trafford and beat the current big boys to keep the victories coming time and again. But there is also a common complaint of those who support United, that the manager has not been backed properly by the board. So given all the excitement and constraints that lie ahead, can United reclaim CL next season – and possibly a shot at the title?
Transfer activity
United did make a statement to an extent by managing to sign Donny Van de Beek in an all-inclusive deal worth 36 million pounds last week. They also closed out a contract extension for young goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who will presumably give De Gea a run for his money. With no more signings on the horizon yet, there are only concrete transfer links to Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund and Dayot Upamecano of Leipzig. In recent times, there have also been talks of signing left-back Sergio Reguilon as well.
Strength
Having lost only 8 games last season, Ole’s men have shown what it takes to stay unbeaten and maintain a progressive way of retaining morale and spirit within the dressing room. In addition, the defence has looked to be better than the 2018/19 season when they conceded 54 goals in 38 games as compared to last season which was only 36 goals. If they do manage to sign a starter centre-back and left-back, the backline could become even stronger and that would mean bad news for their rival contenders.
Weakness
Manchester United definitely have had their share of troubles closing out games and even making an impact to win the games. Of the 38 games played last season, they ended up accumulating 12 draws. If the intent of going higher up in the table is indeed serious, then United will have to work on that aspect of using directness and a lack of urgency to notch up goals that can win them games. Another thing that could affect the team comes in the form of the Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood’s recent incidents, particularly the former’s considering he is the team captain and others in the dressing room look up to such figures.
Key players
Despite only featuring in the second half of the season, Bruno Fernandes is set to be the creative driving force for the team who will look to perform even stronger than expectations. The Portuguese midfielder has had an instant impact and shown the league that with him in the team, United can beat anyone. Another player who will be crucial is French striker Anthony Martial, who enjoyed a fruitful season with 17 goals and 6 assists in 32 games. For a player who had flickers of brilliance in the past couple seasons, Martial will look to shoulder the responsibility of delivering high-class performances and with Rashford and Bruno behind him, he is set to shine once again.
Predicted table finish
4th Place: Manchester United are definitely no walkovers and will surely look to replicate a season better than last time, but there are still question marks over seeing out games with the lead intact as well as lack of impact players who can make the difference from the bench. Nevertheless, United will give it their all to dream of the title, but will most likely only seal Champions League qualification.
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