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Manchester United finished 2nd on the Premier League table last season, a whooping 19 points behind cross-town rivals Manchester City. Several of its stars underwhelmed last season, but the club has been uncharacteristically quite mute in the summer transfer window.
It is up to the talented but under-performing players already on the roster to make a mark for themselves, possibly giving Man Utd the momentum needed to finish better than 2nd position, and win some silverware this time out.
Listed below are 5 Man Utd superstars who need to improve this season.
#1 Jesse Lingard
After a good outing in Russia, the attacking midfielder must perform excellently in the first few months of the Premier League to help United get a head-start. Jesse needs to deliver in crunch situations while facing tough defences each week.
Somehow his stellar performances were limited only to cup games last season, and if he is able to replicate the same in weekly league outings, there is a chance he might win the Player of the Month award at least twice this season.
Mourinho needs to define his role as a CAM, and give him time to find his feet on the field so he can be used to being a provider for the forwards. Lingard showed us what he is capable of for England last month, and it would be a huge boost for Man Utd if he steps up in the EPL as a responsible attacking midfielder. It would also enhance his reputation as a big performer in the EPL, and his baby steps towards greatness will pick up pace.
#2 Romelu Lukaku
The burly striker from Belgium received plaudits from all over the world after a spectacular performance in Russia. Lukaku has to step up this season by increasing his tally of goals for Man Utd.
Romelu needs to slightly improve his ability to score from headers, and needs to add precision to his already so powerful shots from in and outside the box. He has the ability to be a front runner for the Premier League Golden Boot, and has the ability to get 25 goals this season as he will be the first choice striker for United.
His success in front of goal will be needed by the club in the title race, and could help them overcome the ill timed draws which dented their title chances last time out. Lets hope Big Rom breathes fire this season!
#3 Paul Pogba
After a hugely successful FIFA World Cup campaign for Les Blues, their midfield maestro and chief motivator needs to don the same hat in the Red Devils' camp for the 2018-19 EPL season.
Pogba had an injury-ridden and slightly off color season for United last time out. With his immensely precise passing and unbelievable ball control, Pogba has what it takes to be a United legend.
He must up the ante, as he will be the first choice midfielder in the United starting 11. Pogba must play a game that will inspire his teammates, and must instigate deadly attacks with fellow midfielders like Fred, Mata and Lingard.
The onus will be on him to lead the counters and link the ball evenly between wingers and strikers. Paul Pogba showed a lot of positives in the French midfield, and similar efforts would provide a huge boost to The Red Devils this season.
Pogba must show an ambition to be the best midfielder in the Premier League at least, he should etch his name in the Man Utd midfield as David De Gea has done in goal.
#4 Alexis Sanchez
Being new to Old Trafford and missing out on the FIFA World Cup, Alexis is a player who will be raring to go out there and showcase some quality football.
He is a player capable of scoring 30+ goals in a season, and is definitely someone United fans will want to rely on for Premier League success this season. Alexis has in him every aspect of being a top player for the club this time out.
His creativity on the field and goal scoring prowess is something that should come really handy, especially in situations where winners need to be pulled out of the hat from potential goalless draws.
Alexis can prove to be the perfect spark for the team, and should blend well with Rashford and Lukaku to get the goals that have been somewhat missing from the quiver of the Man Utd forwards. Alexis is known for not having frequent injury issues, and his success will be critical for the outcome of the season for United.
#5 Marcus Rashford
Once regarded as 'one for the the future', he needs to now transition into a 'present generation superstar'. Although still in his early years, Rashford has showed his calibre in the English setup, and must aim to be as much an important factor for Jose Mourinho as he was for Gareth Southgate in Russia.
Now he is out of his teens and gets more playing time on the pitch, he should make his presence felt by being on the score sheet more often. He needs to improve on his shooting, and enhance his goal per shot ratio.
This season could be a make or break one in his career, and therefore it is of utmost importance that he accelerates his game and breaks the shackles holding him back from giving a stellar performance regularly.
Although he has risen through the ranks and is sure to get more PL starts this year, he has definitely got a point to prove, and must aim to score around 20 goals to make his rise evident.
A respectable contribution to the title challenge for Manchester United would be a boon, and will in every way cement his claim to be a genuine leader going forward.
