Manchester United: Three crucial players for the Red Devils this season

Manchester United completed three new signings in the summer with emphasis placed on defensive reinforcements. Their opening 4-0 win over Chelsea gave us a glimpse into what the side can do. It is still early days in the season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer strives to find the winning formula.

Some of the problems that the team has faced since Sir Alex Ferguson retired was lack of leadership in the dressing room. In this current project, Solskjaer aims to build his team around young players who can play fast, attacking football. The boss has already let some players go in what has proven to be an unfulfilling summer of transfer business.

In the current squad, certain players will have to step and be leaders on the pitch. This involves taking charge of the rest of the team. As it is, there isn't much performance wise to write home about. The recent, 1-1 draw against Southampton exposed some of tactical problems United have. It was evident before the Saints' equaliser that Harry Maguire had signaled for his teammate to mark Jannick Vestergaard who was an aerial threat but he still manager to score the crucial goal with his head.

Here's a look at three players who really need to step up if the club hopes to attain success this season.

#3. David De Gea

The Spanish international had a torrid finish to the 2018/2019 season. He conceded 57 goals last season, the most by any of the 'top 6' goalkeepers in the Premier League. Before the Saints scored, he had produced a fine save but it was not enough to get United over the line. David De Gea however, was at fault against Crystal Palace when he could have handled the second goal better.

De Gea is still a good goalkeeper and he will once again continue as first choice this season barring any injury. He will need to rediscover his true form and soon because United are not fully solid at the back despite having Maguire and Aaron Wann-Bissaka in the side. His ball distribution will also be pivotal given that Solskjaer has introduced a new system where United try to play from the back.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs his goalie to step up.

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#2 Paul Pogba

Pogba lost the ball too many times against Southampton.

With the European transfer market now closed, the French superstar needs to settle and replicate the kind of form he had last season when he scored 14 goals. He has been asked to play a deeper role this season in a midfield two. On any given day, Paul Pogba has the qualities to be a world-class player and is arguably the best in his position.

Solskjaer needs to adjust his midfield by bringing in either Nemanja Matic or Fred in order to push the French man forward. In the last three matches, it has been clear United need more bodies in the midfield area. It goes without saying that when Pogba plays well, normally the team does so too.

Pogba now needs to focus on the task at hand by adjusting his game. He should have already noted by now that referees this season are a bit strict and will not blow the whistle on cheap fouls. This means that Pogba should do less show-boating and more of the simple things such as releasing the ball faster.

Nemanja Matic needs to hold fort if Pogba is to be released forward.

#1 Harry Maguire

Maguire has already shown his leadership qualities.

The England international has put on a good shift so far. He has hardly put a foot wrong when it comes to his game. He is genuinely a leader on the pitch. Harry Maguire's towering frame and calming presence at the back can build sense of composure for his team mates. This season, he will need to marshal that defensive line and take charge of setting the tone on how United should defend.

This will be important especially now that the fear-factor is gone when teams play the Red Devils. Maguire can help restore the strong defensive unit that United were known for during the Sir. Alex Ferguson era.

The huge problem for Solskjaer will be to find a formidable partner for Maguire. Eric Bailly is out injured so options are limited. Chris Smalling sealed a deal to the Serie A with AS Roma which leaves the likes of Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo as the alternatives. When fit, Maguire is certainly one of the first on the team sheet, who wouldn't fancy a 6-ft-4 World Cup-semi-finalist who is comfortable on the ball as their centre back?