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Whilst the season started very poorly for Manchester United, the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has instilled a renewed sense of optimism around Old Trafford. They still have plenty to play for this season, currently just behind Spurs for 4th place and set to kick off a Champions League Quarter Final with Barcelona.
That said, compared to past United teams, this recent run has been fairly poor. They’ve been thoroughly outclassed by their Manchester neighbours for the past 6 seasons and also sit comfortably behind this current Liverpool side.
Admittedly, it’s not all doom and gloom for United. They have ample financial resources, a manager that is backed by the supporters, and several key young players to build around. I’ll take a look at 4 players who could form part of the next United title-winning side.
#4 David De Gea
Having been one of the premier keepers in world football over the past half-decade, big Dave is definitely someone United need to keep hold of. He has been United’s main man in between the sticks since 2011, making over 350 appearances in the process.
Despite this wealth of experience, he remains only 28 years of age. With many keepers playing well into their late 30’s in recent seasons, De Gea likely has close to another decade at the top.
Renowned for his excellent reflexes and shot-stopping ability, things could’ve gotten a lot worse for United with a different keeper. His stay at Old Trafford hasn’t been without controversy, with consistent transfer rumours linking him to both Real Madrid and PSG.
Regardless of these transfer rumours, Man United won’t be able to simply go out and replace a player of De Gea’s quality. As they usher in a new era under Solskjaer, expect De Gea to be a future United captain.
#3 Marcus Rashford
One of the premier young talents in England and all of world football, Marcus Rashford is another key player that United need to keep a hold of. After initially breaking onto the scene in early 2016, he has been a mainstay in the United first team squad ever since.
During this time, he has made 162 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 45 goals all across the frontline. Given his excellent pace, dribbling, and shooting ability, he has excelled when deployed as both a winger and a striker.
His success at the domestic level has also translated on the international stage, where he has made 31 appearances for England. Still just 21 years of age, Rashford has the potential to be one of the best players in world football.
Transfer rumours have linked him to some of the biggest sides in Europe, which would be a huge blow for United. Especially given the inconsistency of Romelu Lukaku up front, Rashford is a young gem they need to hold onto.
#2 Paul Pogba
Whilst he hasn’t necessarily lived up to the hype, Paul Pogba has still enjoyed 3 solid seasons at Old Trafford. He has made over 126 appearances since his high-profile transfer from Real Madrid, scoring 29 goals in the process.
This year has statistically been his best in a United shirt, with 14 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. The departure of Jose Mourinho has seemingly had a very positive effect on Pogba, who was known to have a tenuous relationship with the Portuguese manager.
Possessing arguably the best mix of physicality and athleticism in world football, Pogba definitely has a case as a top 5 central midfielder. He has shown his quality at the highest of levels, guiding France to a 2018 World Cup title. United will struggle to find a replacement at Pogba’s level and should at least give him another full season under Solskjaer.
#1 Anthony Martial
One of the more controversial figures at Old Trafford in recent seasons, Anthony Martial should definitely be a part of Manchester United’s future. After having an excellent season in 2015-16, he has been largely inconsistent for the Red Devils since.
Despite making 87 appearances in the following 2 seasons, he could only manage 19 goals and was seemingly pushed out by Jose Mourinho. Martial has again made noticeably positive strides this season, scoring 10 Premier League goals as United make a top 4 pitch.
As with Rashford, the 23-year-old Martial definitely has the talent to be one of the best players in world football. He possesses phenomenal skill, pace, and dribbling ability which allow him to play across the front 3. Having recently signed a contract extension until 2024, it seems the United board will finally give Martial what he needs to flourish.
