da betway： Manchester United were one of the few Premier League clubs to declare themselves out of action during the final few days of the summer transfer window – on the inward front, at least.
da realsbet： Indeed, the Red Devils got the important business done early, sealing three of their four summer signings – Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – by July 2nd and snapping up world-record addition Paul Pogba on the 8th of August.
That was certainly a smart strategy considering some of the ridiculous deals that went down on Deadline Day (cough, cough, Moussa Sissoko, cough) but the question remains; have United done enough to ensure this season’s Premier League title?
After all, the Old Trafford outfit finished fifth in the Premier League last season and they’re now set for a campaign in the ever-dreaded, energy-sapping Europa League.
Nonetheless, Jose Mourinho has been left with a very large squad we at Football FanCast believe it’s strength in depth could be the difference in this season’s title race. Here’s a quick look…
GOALKEEPERS
We’re all aware of David De Gea’s abilities as one of the top goalkeepers in world football but should something happen to the Spaniard, Jose Mourinho still has 2014 World Cup finalist Sergio Romero to fall back on. Likewise, youngster Sam Johnstone could finally get a look-in this season after spending the last five years out on loan.
RIGHT-BACKS
Antonio Valencia has started the season at right-back but that could soon change, with several alternatives at Jose Mourinho’s disposal. Matteo Darmian is patiently waiting in reserve alongside youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who impressed hugely in a cameo role last season. Furthermore, should the Red Devils gaffer want a more solid defender at No.2, centre-backs Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can both fill in.
LEFT-BACKS
Luke Shaw’s an incredible talent but also somewhat injury prone. Fortunately for Jose Mourinho, however, he has two understudies to choose from in the form of Marcos Rojo and utility man Daley Blind. The United gaffer likes his stocky full-backs and Rojo certainly fits that mould, whilst Blind is an incredibly intelligent footballer who can play in a variety of positions.
CENTRE-BACKS
Eric Bailly has thoroughly impressed since arriving at Old Trafford during the summer and he could form an incredible partnership with Chris Smalling once the England international is fully match fit. Once again, however, Jose Mourinho has alternatives; Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind, who has started the season alongside Bailly, are all more than capable – which could make a huge difference once the Europa League comes around.
MIDFIELDERS
World-record signing Paul Pogba is the indisputable star of Manchester United’s engine room and Jose Mourinho has a wealth of partners to choose for the Frenchman.
Marouane Fellaini has started the season as the Red Devils gaffer’s preferred option but Michael Carrick is an incredibly smart and experienced midfielder whilst Morgan Schneiderlin offers more steel and Ander Herrera represents a forward-thinking alternative.
Likewise, despite being forced to train with the reserves, Bastian Schweinsteiger was registered in United’s Premier League squad.
RIGHT WINGERS
Juan Mata has unexpectedly begun the season as Jose Mourinho’s first choice on the right wing but it seems inevitable summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who netted 23 times last season, will come into the side at some point over the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, youngster Jesse Lingard proved his quality with two superb goals in the FA Cup final and the Community Shield; even though the 23-year-old is a little down the pecking order, he could play an important role for United in the cup competitions this season.
LEFT WINGERS
One position where United might be a little light is the left wing.
Anthony Martial’s a fantastic young talent but he’s not quite acclimatised to Jose Mourinho’s style and the alternatives aren’t exactly outstanding; an ageing Ashley Young and Memphis Depay, who has suffered a spectacular fall from grace since signing for the Red Devils in 2015.
That being said, Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard can all switch flank if necessary.
STRIKERS
In practice, Wayne Rooney is more an attacking midfielder than an out-and-out striker. Nonetheless, he remains one of three very impressive options for Jose Mourinho alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford. The former’s United career has got off to a flyer with three strikes in three Premier League appearances, whilst the latter proved his importance last weekend with a goal from the bench against Hull City.