Manchester United were one of the strongest teams in England after Project Restart, thanks to the form of Bruno Fernandes and United’s front three of Rashford, Martial and Greenwood. The Red Devils’ uptick in form took place after the arrival of Fernandes in the January transfer window, and they have lost just twice in all competitions since his arrival – the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, and the Europa League semi-final against Sevilla.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be optimistic ahead of the 2020-21 season, after their strong end to the 2019-20 season.
What does the future hold for the Manchester club in the upcoming season?
Transfer window so far
Manchester United have been linked with quite a few players ahead of the 2020-21 season, with the most high-profile name being that of English winger Jadon Sancho. The Red Devils will have to splash big money to sign Sancho, which has probably put a spanner in the works for a deal to bring him to Old Trafford.
They’ve also been linked with a move for Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon, who had a solid 2019-20 season on loan at Sevilla. The Spanish international could add attacking flair and put pressure on Luke Shaw in the left-back position.
The only signing that the Red Devils have made so far is that of Dutch international Donny van de Beek, who arrived at the club from Ajax after a few promising seasons. The signing of the Dutchman will give Solskjaer several options in the middle of the park.
We could also see a few exits from the club before the transfer window shuts.
Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira all face uncertain futures at the club.
What to expect
Manchester United fans will want their team to compete at the top of the table, but it looks unlikely that it will happen this season. Solskjaer is building a team that has several young players and wants to bring back the United swagger of old. But, the squad currently lacks the quality or the X-factor required to challenge for top honours.
That, coupled with how the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have strengthened their sides, as well as the sheer dominance of this current Liverpool side makes it an improbable task for the Red Devils. A revitalised Arsenal side under Mikel Arteta could pose a threat, while the likes of Spurs and Everton have added a few quality players too, which could make them surprise packages in the 2020-21 season.
Challenges
Manchester United, at times, have lacked a player who could create something from nothing. A player like Jadon Sancho would give them the edge when facing teams that sit deep and defend. The United team have also had issues at the back, most notably with the shortcoming of Victor Lindelof. His lack of aerial ability and his lapses in concentration have put undue pressure on Harry Maguire, who has also been under the scanner after an enterprising start.
Solskjaer will also be wary of the goalkeeping situation.
Does he stick with David de Gea if the Spaniard continues making errors or put young Dean Henderson between the sticks?
Where they will finish
As mentioned above, it is highly unlikely that United will usurp the top two, i.e. Liverpool and Manchester City. And it seems that Chelsea may be closer to them than United are. It could be yet another season of trying to finish in the top four and ensuring Champions League football for the next season for Manchester United.
