Manchester United finished second in the 2020/2021 season with 74 points, a huge 12 points behind their bitter rivals, Manchester City. That doesn’t quite tell the story of a number of lacklustre, disappointing performances, off the pitch betrayals and questionable tactical decisions. Going forwards, The Red Devils have made two key signings in Jadon Sancho and Rafael Varane, improving their squad. With that being said, the 2021/2022 season is looking more promising for Manchester United.
Managing Expectations
The end of last summer’s transfer window saw Manchester United sign three players in what appeared to be a panic. This season, they’ve done their work earlier, but still might not have players ready for the first game of the season. Having officially announced the deal to sign Varane on July 27th, the Frenchman only arrived in England on August 5th. He has had to quarantine, pass his medical and start training with the squad. To say he won’t be ready for the opening game of the season is a reasonable shout. Rumours are circulating that he may feature on the bench, but don't expect to see him in Man United red on the opening day.
It’s a similar situation with Sancho. He only this week met up with the United squad, despite having exited the Euro 2020 competition at the same time as new teammates, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw (who were both back in training before Sancho). This would also suggest that he may not play against Leeds on the 14th August.
With these two issues in mind, we’ll likely see the same team as last season. Victor Lindelof will start at centre-half, with Daniel James starting off the right-hand side and Mason Greenwood as the striker. Edison Cavani also is yet to report back from training and will miss the start of the season.
Straight Forward Start, Before a Tough Run
The opening fixtures for Manchester United shouldn’t throw up too many difficulties for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. Welcoming Leeds United to Old Trafford on the opening day, United should be able to edge past them with relative ease. A 6-2 thrashing at Old Trafford last season and a 0-0 at Elland Road suggests that Ole has Bielsa’s number. With Southampton, Wolves and Newcastle up next,it again shouldn't cause too many issues.
The main issue will be is that the first team have only had one pre-season game together. Everton at home the week before the opening day saw Manchester United run out 4-0 winners, but neither new signing featured. With just four pre-season games under their belts, with only one game played with the first 11, it could mean Manchester United have the same slow, laboured start as last season, where they won just two of their opening six games, one of which relied on a 90 + 10’ minute penalty.
From gameweek five, however, the fixtures become slightly more difficult. West Ham, Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester, Liverpool, Tottenham and Man City all come before a slight break with Watford. Then come Chelsea and Arsenal in preparation for an easier end to the year.
If Manchester United can get settled, avoid injuries and get a fixed, regular starting 11 and they can avoid too much rotation, they should be able to handle the tough stretch through October and November without dropping too many unnecessary points.
Cup Competition Expectations
Having qualified for the champions league automatically, eight points clear of fifth place. Having made the quarter final of the FA Cup, the semi final of the EFL Cup and going out in the group stage of the Champions League, the cup competitions were a disappointment. Although they reached the final of the Europa League, going into the 2020/2021 season, that competition wasn’t in consideration. The positive that came from the Europa League is that Ole’s reds got over their ‘semi final fear’ by making the final, the first time under the Norweigian.
This season, with the four-time Champions League winning Varane coming into the squad, Manchester United need a better performance in the most elite club competition in the world. Although they did have a tough group last year and this season’s groups won’t be drawn until the 26th August, the talent in the squad should mean at very least progressing out of the group. Anything less would be a huge disappointment.
As for the EFL and FA Cups, it’s difficult to predict. Depending on the draw, we could see Manchester United play a number of their youngsters late into the competition, but if drawn against stronger opposition, Manchester United must play stronger starting teams throughout.
To keep both the fans, as well as the board on his side, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must win a trophy. Having been ‘trophy-less’ throughout his United tenure thus far, the baron run can’t continue.
Predictions
Unfortunately for Manchester United, both Manchester City and Chelsea have stronger squads, especially with the additions of Jack Grealish and Romelu Lukaku. Manchester City won the league at a canter last season with a gap of 14 points.
Chelsea will be enjoying the momentum from the Champions League victory at the end of last season, as well as four undefeated pre-season games and the UEFA Super Cup victory. So expect a fast start to the season for Thomas Tuchel’s men. Pep’s City came up short in the community shield this past weekend, however, having notched three victories prior to this, expect them to be raring to go in order to defend their crown.
Manchester United should be happy with a third-place finish this season and an improved points tally on last season. 11 draws and six losses during the 2020/2021 season doesn’t hint at being title challengers this season, so an improved points tally, turning some of the draws into wins and some of the losses into draws would show progression. Having gone undefeated last season away from home is certainly an achievement, but improved home form is a must. With fans back in the ground, we can expect Old Trafford to become the fortress it once was.
Cup competitions have to go better, going deeper in the Champions League and making a final of a domestic cup would certainly be desirable. The domestic cup competitions are Ole's best chance at silverware this season, so expect them to be a priority thoughout.
Top Goalscorer
Bruno Fernandes will likely maintain the top goalscorer for United this season. He’s the penalty taker, free kick taker and is efficient in getting himself into the box to convert chances made by the playmakers. With Jadon Sancho and a fully fit Marcus Rashford firing, creatively, it should free up Fernandes to maintain his goal scoring conversion rate. With a non-penalty XG of 0.57 per game, Fernandes will likely continue to slot them home. Edison Cavani is also a shout for top goalscorer, having bagged 17 goals in all competitions last season.
Young Player of the Year
Young player of the year at Manchester United is always a difficult one to determine, especially under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Last year, Shola Shoretire won the award, recording 10 goals and five assists in 21 under 23 games. He also appeared twice for the first team, as well as regularly during pre-season this season.
Anthony Elanga will likely receive the award if he stays at the club and doesn’t get a loan move away. He impressed massively last season with nine goals and three assists for the under 23 as well as two appearances and a goal for the first team. He can play in a number of positions and could be the breakout star this season.
Comments