Manchester United season preview: Now or never for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with key transfers acquired
The arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane mean the United coach must finally secure his first trophy at the club – or else
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Your support makes all the difference.Last season
Manchester United finished in second place in the Premier League, 12 points behind champions and rivals Manchester City, who ended on 86. Elsewhere, United finally overcame the semi-final hurdle they had previously failed to clear under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reaching the Europa League final. But they came up agonisingly short against Villarreal on penalties. In the FA Cup, United were eliminated at the quarter-final stage, losing 3-1 to eventual champions Leicester City, and they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the semi-finals, beaten 2-0 by Man City.
Transfer window so far
United have not only strengthened in two key positions, they have done so by bringing in world-class talents. Out on the wing, United finally secured the signing of 21-year-old Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, having pursued the England forward last summer. In fact, they acquired his services for around £76m – less than they looked set to pay last year. In central defence, in comes France international Raphael Varane. The World Cup winner has joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid on a deal worth around £40m – somewhat of a bargain considering his quality.
Key player
Varane. Two summers ago, United paid a world-record transfer fee for a centre-back, bringing in Harry Maguire from Leicester City. The England international soon became club captain but has been a little inconsistent, failing to justify his transfer fee for the most part, until becoming his side’s most important player towards the end of last season. A fine Euro 2020 campaign this summer suggests that Maguire might have finally become the player United wanted, but now – for half the price – they have secured an even better central defender in Varane. The Frenchman should ensure Maguire maintains the level he has achieved over the last six months, and with Luke Shaw hitting new heights at left-back, United’s defence is arguably world class right now. Varane certainly is.
Manager
Solskjaer, entering his third full season in charge, divides opinion. Some United fans are happy to entrust their team’s fortunes to a former player who knows the club and their virtues well. Others believe the Norwegian is not an elite-level coach, lacking the capability to take United to a league title – or even solve the issues that have prevented the Red Devils from getting over the line in cup competitions. Wherever you stand, it must be said that another campaign without a trophy could spell the end for Solskjaer.
What would be success?
With the way United have been gradually edging towards silverware under Solskjaer, and with the investments they have made in the transfer market, a trophy is the bare minimum this season. That said, a Carabao Cup win and nothing else would be underwhelming. United should be challenging for the Premier League title, but judging them on a triumph or lack thereof in that competition would admittedly be a little unfair; Man City and Chelsea have also made big signings and will fancy their chances of winning the league. All in all, an FA Cup win is probably the uninspiring but appeasing middle ground.
August fixtures
14th: Leeds United (h) - 12:30
22nd: Southampton (a) - 14:00
29th: Wolves (a) - 16:30
Predicted first-choice XI
Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Pogba, McTominay, Fernandes; Sancho, Cavani, Rashford.
Bookies’ ranking
8/1 for Premier League title
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