Manchester United will be aiming to finish in a Champions League spot in the upcoming campaign.
Manchester United had a season to forget last time, finishing out of top four for the second time in three years. Jose Mourinho, the former Red Devils manager, got the sack in December and the club was taken over by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis until the end of the season.
While the Norwegian produced consistent results by overcoming several hurdles including the famous comeback against Paris Saint Germain in Parc Des Princes by qualifying for the Champions League Quarterfinals for the first time in eight years, the results started to falter in the last three months.
It was mainly down to the contract problems which constrained the players from giving full commitment. It should not come as an excuse, but the game has become money these days. There were also movements in the transfer window, adding more pressure for Solskjaer to finish in a top-four spot.
United had a good pre-season camp in Singapore, China, Norway, and Cardiff before the Premier League season kicks off against Chelsea on August 11th. The expectation bar has been set high for the upcoming season.
MANCHESTER UNITED SQUAD
There were minimal movements in the transfer window. Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera left the club as free agents to L.D.U. Quito and Paris Saint Germain respectively. While the rest have all been retained, Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire are the new signings of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are also hoping to sell Chris Smalling and Phil Jones before the transfer deadline ends in two days. But, there are very few suitors willing to take them. Ashley Young takes over the captain’s armband from Antonio Valencia for the 2019/20 campaign.
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Lee Grant.
Defenders: Ashley Young (C), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Matteo Darmian, Axel Tuanzebe, Tim Fosu-Mensah, Luka Shaw.
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Periera, Fred, Daniel James, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay.
Forwards: Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial.
ALSO READ: Manchester United’s predicted XI with Harry Maguire and a prime target.
MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFERS
Incomings:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Harry Maguire
Daniel James
Outgoings:
Ander Herrera
James Wilson
Antonio Valencia
ALSO READ: All Premier League transfers
MANCHESTER UNITED PREDICTED XI:
Predictions for Manchester United?
Manchester United are still lagging behind the top three Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. The trio has solidity in the squad and are expected to challenge for the Premier League title.
After a busy transfer window, Solskjaer must produce a Champions League qualification. However, Arsenal have more quality in the frontline and could win games on their own. The Red Devils do not have an out and out goalscorer with the capability to notch up 20 goals per season as Romelu Lukaku waits in Belgium until the transfer is resolved.
It will be a tough season for the record Premier League Champions.
Prediction: Fifth.
