The one thing on the mind of everyone involved with Manchester United is the 2017/18 Premier League title. They are expecting nothing less than their 14th Premier League title in Jose Mourinho’s second season at Old Trafford.
The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ failed to impress in the league last term as Manchester United finished sixth but it was their progress in Europe that saw them secure qualification into the Champions League.
This came after they beat Ajax 2-0 in the final at the end of May. They also won the EFL Cup back in February and both pieces of silverware softened the blow of a largely poor domestic season.
A sixth-place finish this season won’t be good enough and could see Mourinho lose his job if he fails to qualify for the Champions League.
But with a stronger squad than last term, this shouldn’t pose too much of an issue. The audacious signing of Romelu Lukaku from right under the noses of Chelsea, provides them with a proven Premier League striker capable of scoring and creating goals out of nothing.
The Belgian has been signed to replace the departed Zlatan Ibrahimović and with his best years yet to come, Lukaku could become the best number nine in the world.
He is joined by Premier League champion, Nemanja Matic who was signed from arch rivals Chelsea.
This arrival brings stability to a Manchester United midfield that looked easily penetrable on many occasions last season.
The Serbian’s transfer is likely to aid the team in more ways than one as he will help to unlock the full potential of club-record signing Paul Pogba after the former Juventus star struggled to show the league what he is truly capable of in his first season.
Pogba’s creativity in the middle of the park was probably his best attribute last term and the chances he laid on for Ibrahimović often weren’t converted, which hopefully won’t be an issue with Lukaku leading the line.
As Manchester United look to build for the future, they have invested in Victor Lindelöf from Benfica.
The 22-year-old is widely considered as one of the best young defenders in world football as he helped the Portuguese giants take the Liga NOS title.
The Swedish defender is expected to partner Eric Bailly at the heart of the defence to replace Chris Smalling, who has failed to reach his potential after singing in 2010.
The 2017/18 season looks very bright for Manchester United fans as their side look to seize their best chance to win the Premier League since their last triumph under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
The signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton shows their intent as only Harry Kane managed more Premier League goals last term.
Last season’s success in the Europa League brings confidence to the side along with Jose Mourinho’s infectious winning mentality which he has already begun to pass onto his players.
While they still might not have enough to go the distance and lift the title this season, a Champions League place is almost certain for the Red Devils.
They will be hopeful of a decent run in Europe and with the quality of their players, it would be very disappointing if they fail to get out of their group.
This season could be the one where Manchester United starts to compete with the superpowers of world football again.
