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Manchester United started their 2018/19 English Premier League season on a winning note with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City, but as the season progressed Jose Mourinho’s side isn’t producing the desired performances.
United are at the 10th position in the Premier League table with 6 points. They also lost against Brighton and Hove Albion and looked quite rusty in every department in that game.
Although there are still a lot of games to be played in the entire season, Jose Mourinho’s side has to pull up their socks so as to ensure they at least stay in the top 4 which would enable them to stay in contention for next season’s Champions League. Manchester United won their second game against Burnley on 2nd September which might give act as a morale booster for them.
Jose Mourinho had stated that in spite of his team’s poor performances till now, he is pretty confident that his side will deliver positive results. Recently there have been reports that Manchester United are about to sell Paul Pogba in January. Paul Pogba has been linked to Barcelona which could be his next destination and has stated that he is in talks with the Catalans to finalize the deal. On this latest move, Mourinho has stated that Manchester United has found Paul Pogba's replacement.
He also went on to say Manchester United have some exceptional players who have the ability to win with their never say die attitude. We take a look at 5 such players who could be crucial for Manchester United in the months going ahead.
#1 Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku looked in decent form in the last season as the Belgian scored 16 goals in 34 Premier League games with 7 assists to his name in the last season. Though he was criticized for not giving his best during pressure situations and not performing up to the desired level against some of the bigger teams, Lukaku will always remain Manchester United’s mainstay in the forward line.
Jose Mourinho had stated that a player of Lukaku’s class is a boon to any team. Lukaku has got the ability to run through the best defences with his electric runs combined with his superlative dribbles. The 26-year-old can outclass any opponent because of his combative moves because of his physicality. Lukaku is a kind of player who can be quite dangerous because of his ability to counter the best defences with his aggressive runs.
The former Chelsea player was instrumental in Belgium’s campaign in the recently concluded World Cup where Belgium finished as semifinalists. He was also influential in Everton’s campaign in the 2016-17 season. His finishes have also looked spot on.
#2 Paul Pogba
Recently it has been announced that Manchester United will be selling Paul Pogba in January and it will be a big shock for all Manchester United fans. As per some reports, Pogba's next destination could be Barcelona. But till the time he is there at the club, Paul Pogba’s form will be quite critical for Manchester United as the 25-year-old is the core of Manchester United’s forward line.
According to some reports, there was a fall out between Pogba and Jose Mourinho as the latter felt that perhaps Pogba wasn’t committed towards his team, but Manchester United later clarified everything was fine between them. The Frenchman played a key role for France in the recently concluded World Cup and will be expected to replicate the same performances.
The midfielder has shown his class with his penetrative runs and his ability to score from unusual positions. Pogba has been a constant threat to any opponent inside the box because of his brilliant finishes. His electric counter-attacks can outclass any opposition combined with his creative moves. Paul Pogba is like a glue that binds the midfield with the forward line.
Although Pogba could only score 6 goals in the last season in 27 Premier League games the former Juventus FC player contributed with 10 assists. In the ongoing season, Pogba has scored 2 goals in 4 games. Manchester United will sorely miss the services of the playmaker.
#3 Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been a precious talent for Manchester United. The 21-year-old has been a revelation since his arrival at Old Trafford. Rashford is a kind of player who can contribute offensively as well as defensively. His coordination with Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will be crucial for the Red Devils once Paul Pogba leaves the club.
The striker scored goals in games in the last season. Rashford has this knack of creating chances for other forwards with his deceptive moves. The England international has been a clever operator during set pieces and has the ability to outclass the opposition at the flanks. Rashford has enjoyed Mourinho’s confidence since his arrival at the club.
Rushford has suffered a hamstring injury recently in a UEFA nations cup game against Spain which might give Manchester United a bit of worry. Jose Mourinho will be hoping for his quick recovery. A player like Rashford adds a lot of variety in the forward line.
Rashford’s goal-scoring abilities make him a constant threat who can unsettle the best defenses combined with his electric runs. Rashford scored 7 goals in 35 games in the last season with 5 assists to his name. Jose Mourinho had stated that Rashford is an integral part of Manchester United’s forward line and has handled the responsibility with maturity.
#4 Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez hasn’t been that successful since his arrival at the club, but the 30-year-old has the ability to produce some stellar performances through his individual brilliance. Sanchez was a vital cog of Arsenal’s forward line and the Chilean will be expected to live up to his reputation.
The striker can outrun the best defences on his day with his accelerating pace and aggressive runs. His counter-attacks can floor the best defences combined with his one-touch passes. Sanchez has got this unique ability to make inroads in the opposition’s territory with his speed and clever moves.
His partnership with Romelu Lukaku in the forward line will be crucial. Sanchez is a kind of player who can infuse a lot of energy in any side he is playing for and it is his fighting spirit that might inspire his teammates to produce some positive results. The former Arsenal player netted 9 goals in 31 games in the last Premier League season with 6 assists to his name and Jose Mourinho will surely be banking on his ability to deliver during crunch situations.
#5 Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic is the core of Manchester United’s defence. Known for his hardworking qualities and for his never say die attitude Matic presence in defence has always been a motivating factor for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The 30-year-old is technically quite strong and can win the possession from his opponents with some clever and quick moves. The Serbian has also got the intelligence to feed the forwards with some clever passes.
The former Chelsea FC player can block any threatening moves and counterattacks from the opposition because of his combativeness and some brilliant tackles. He has also looked quite effective in winning aerial duels.
