The new Premier League season brings a renewed sense of belief and excitement to the Manchester United supporters as the Jose Mourinho era takes shape. Having missed out on Champions League football in two of the past three seasons, a return to Europe’s top club competition is a must.
Off-Season Recruits
When he was officially unveiled as the new manager Mourinho, made it clear he wanted to make four signings to help revitalise an underperforming United squad. In the past 24 hours the 53-year-old has got his wish following the signing of Paul Pogba, who returns to the club from Juventus to add real quality in midfield.
The summer started off with central defender Eric Bailly joining from Villarreal who has already looked at home in the heart of defence in pre-season friendlies. Next came, the one and only Zlatan Ibrahimović who brings a wealth of top level experience and appears to be getting better with age. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s arrival the club is the one, United arguably needed the most, a player who can pick out a pass and knows where the back of the net is.
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Strengths
The major thing which stands out most with this current United squad, is the plethora of attacking talent at Mourinho’s disposal.
Ibrahimović is set to lead the line and while Marcus Rashford may be young he is set to provide a high level of competition, as will Anthony Martial. The arrival of Mkhitaryan just makes the prospect of a mouth-watering front four if Wayne Rooney can integrate himself alongside, or ahead of the Armenian.
One of the positive’s to come out of the Louis van Gaal era was the exposure of some of the club’s youngsters.
The emergence of Rashford and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, with the constant improvement of FA Cup hero Jesse Lingard means competition for spots will be high even while competing across four fronts.
Weaknesses
Despite the fact United may have become defensively disciplined under the reign of van Gaal, the back four remains a cause for concern for new manager Mourinho.
The full-back positions are a cause for concern with Antonio Valencia appearing increasingly likely to play on the right, a role where he has not produced his best football.
In the heart of defence Bailly appears likely to partner Chris Smalling and with United lacking quality in this area, the Portuguese may look to add an experienced defender before the end of the transfer window. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo must improve if either are to command a starting position.
Key Player
Three-time Manchester United Player of the Season David De Gea will remain a key figure in determining just how far the Red Devils can go this season. Despite the plethora of talent surrounding the Spanish shot stopper, his importance to United cannot be overstated.
If De Gea can go to yet another level this season it will go a long way to helping the Red Devils to their first Premier League title since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Prediction
A position in the top four come season’s end is a minimum for Mourinho’s men, a goal they will be quietly confident of achieving. Furthermore, if the key figures in this squad can stay fit there is no reason to say why United cannot reach the pinnacle of English football for the 21st time.
Predicted finish – 1st
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