Manchester United: 2017/18 Preview

Predicted Finish: 2^nd

The Red Devils haven’t won the league since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, they’ve had a difficult transitional period since the end of the Scott’s reign. Last season was no different. Those of us who see the glass as half-full will tell you it was a good season, but even they have little defence for their league finish. For a team who has won it all and holds a record amount of league titles, a 6^th place finish (just 4 years on from last winning the league) is disappointing. But winning the Europa League and the League cup does soften the blow considerably, especially since the former gets you into the Champions League; something their league position wouldn’t have gotten them.

Mourinho has never been one to make wholesale purchases in a single transfer window. Being the pragmatist, too many changes may upset the rhythm and balance of team and the potential for growth is lost (or at least proportional) to the amount of time it takes for the new recruits to acclimatize. True to that formula United have only made 3 signings to date (though Mourinho wants one or two more). Victor Lindelöf, the Swedish international from Benfica, was the first signing of the summer. The centre-back is just 23 y-o and expected to come into his own in due time. United’s other two signings were less obscure as they were playing in Premier League last season. With the indominable Ibrahimović getting injured for an indefinite period late last season, United opted not to renew his contract for this season (that story may not yet be punctuated though). That was only compounded by the loss of club captain and record scorer Wayne Rooney who returned to boyhood club Everton after a 13-year stint at Old Trafford. United in return got Romelu Lukaku, a separate arrangement, that saw the big Belgian take Ibra’s role and number as United’s new number 9. The midfield has been an issue at United for years but recently, first with van Gaal and continuing with Mourinho, the issue is being addressed. This summer a replacement for the aging Michael Carrick was needed and in Nemanja Matić, from Chelsea, they found one.

Mourinho did well in his first season, all things considered. In fact, he managed something no other manager has in their long illustrious history; he won an official trophy in his first season, and he got two, one of which is a European title. Ultimately the goal was to get back into the Champions League and they did so; in that regard Mourinho would get a passing grade at least. This season though, because triumph in Europe’s elite cup competition is not likely, focus should be on finally winning the league again. It won’t be easy you’d imagine, with rival clubs strengthening as well and traditionally smaller clubs becoming formidable forces, it should be a hotly contested title race. But for a team called “Devils”, they should have the credentials.