How will the Premier League's Top 5 close the gap on Manchester City?

#1 Manchester United

Leadership decision to make:

Manchester United's captain Michael Carrick has decided to hang up his boots after an immensely successful playing career. Antonio Valencia took over the armband this year in Carrick's absence. Valencia will turn 33 by the start of the next season and though he's adapted well to his position at right-back, that's not his natural position.

If United do sign a quality right-back over the summer, it could see Valencia drop to the bench. Who would take over the armband then? Will it be David de Gea, if he doesn't get snapped by Real Madrid. Or would it be Paul Pogba? Nemanja Matic might be another possible option due to his wealth of experience.

Player to retain

There's no doubt who United's most crucial player is. David de Gea, without doubt, is one of the best goalkeepers in the game. Real Madrid, for good reason, come hunting each summer, to bring the Spaniard back to Madrid. It's therefore critical that de Gea's head doesn't turn due to the United's poor showings this season.

Players to leave

1.Rumors of Anthony Martial's impending departure from the club seem to increase day by day. The French winger who was signed by the club as a 19-year old has seen a decrease in game time after the arrival of Alexis Sanchez at the club. Jose Mourinho has also made no effort to play down these rumors and Tottenham seems a likely destination.

2.Manchester United exercised an option to extend Daley Blind's contract by a year in order to prevent the Netherlands international leaving on a free transfer in the summer. However, with a lack of opportunities at the club, the Dutchman is likely to be on the move this summer.

3.Matteo Darmian has just over a year remaining on his current deal and is keen on a move back to native Italy.

4.Luke Shaw and Jose Mourinho have shared a complicated history, with the manager often questioning the English full-back's work-rate and commitment. With no signs of improvement in their relationship, it's highly likely that Shaw will move to a Premier League club that'll provide him with more opportunities and love.

5.Despite being highly rated by the manager, Marouane Fellaini is yet to put pen to paper on a contract extension that will prevent him from leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer. So, it's highly likely that the Belgian will move to another league at the end of this season, with Europa League runners-up Marseille strong contenders to sign the Belgian.

Positions to strengthen

1.Manchester United finished this season by playing Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young as the full-backs. Though both of them performed extremely well this season, both of them aren't fullbacks by trade and will be 33 by the start of next season. So, reinforcements will be required on both sides of the defense. Danny Rose is a major target for the left-back position.

2.A quality centre-back to play alongside Eric Bailly. The likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof are good on their day, but not the players whom United would want at the back if they are to challenge their city rivals next season. With Bailly also facing numerous injury issues, it's important that United invest heavily to sign a top-class centre-back this summer. Toby Alderweireld is a strong contender for this spot.

3.More depth in central midfield. Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera are the front-line options with Scott McTominay available as a backup choice. However, United need more from their central midfielders if they are to challenge in the league and in Europe. They'll need some pace and energy from the midfield and for that they'll have to bring in someone this summer.

Tactics

Manchester United and Jose Mourinho have always believed in conflicting ideologies and principles. United's fans love to see their side play the free-flowing attacking football that was seen during Sir Alex Ferguson's era but Mourinho is a pragmatic manager who always favors defensive resilience over attacking flair.

Mourinho prefers a safety-first approach where he forces the midfielders to put in a shift and defend for their lives. This doesn't help attack-minded players like Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, and Alexis Sanchez. Paul Pogba is also unable to fully express himself in the role that he's made to play in. The Portuguese might have to adapt his strategy a little and find the right balance between defense and offense to let his attacking talents like Pogba, Rashford, Mata, Sanchez, Lukaku come into their own. This is necessary to get the goals flowing in again at Old Trafford.