'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It has been exactly 5 years since Manchester United last lifted the Premier League title, in 2013, which was also Sir Alex Ferguson's last season in charge. Since then, they have never really come close to lifting the title again, with their 2nd place finish last season being their best, albeit they ended a whopping 19 points behind the champions Manchester City.
This is Mourinho's third season in charge of course, and this could be make-or-break for him, considering his lack of success here until now.
However, Manchester United do have a strong squad and with maybe a little reinforcement, could very well challenge Manchester City for the title this season. If that Manchester United title charge does indeed materialize, here are 5 Manchester United players who could prove to be the key to success:
Number 1: David de Gea
It's not a surprise that David de Gea is on this list. He has been the key for Manchester United for quite a few seasons now.
He's won the United 'Player of the Season' award 4 times in the last 5 years now and what is more, he deserves every single one of them. His spectacular saves have kept Manchester United in the game time and time again.
There's no doubt then that any Manchester United title charge would entail yet another superb season from the Number One. They say that goals win matches, but clean sheets win titles. I'm sure de Gea would be happy to oblige.
Number 2: Eric Bailly
There can be no doubt, that Eric Bailly, when fit, is the best defender at the club. He is physically imposing, technically gifted and most importantly, composed and calm both with the ball and without.
So far, however, he hasn't had an injury-free, complete season at Manchester United, appearing just 38 times for United in the Premier League over his two seasons here. Should he remain injury free though, he would most likely be part of Mourinho's preferred center-back pairing.
Manchester United are reportedly pursuing a last-minute deal for Toby Alderweireld this window. Even if this doesn't materialize however, they still have a solid defender in Eric Bailly, provided he manages to remain fit. So, should Manchester United miss out on reported top target Alderweireld, Eric Bailly's fitness and form will become important factors in deciding their fortunes this season.
Number 3: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is the one who got away, and then came back for a then world record transfer fee, of course. There's always been a sense that Paul Pogba hasn't lived up to that enormous potential he showcased back at Juventus. In his favour though, he has often been asked to fulfill roles that he isn't most comfortable with, involving more defensive duties.
This could be his season, though. He's had an excellent World Cup, being an integral part of the victorious France squad. There's also the signing of Brazilian Fred, who offers a dynamic presence on the field, which could allow Pogba the freedom to roam further forward and influence the game like he used to at Juventus.
On his day, Pogba is definitely one of the best midfielders in the world and, if he can marshal the same form that he exhibited for France in the World Cup, Manchester United will definitely be genuine title contenders.
Number 4: Alexis Sanchez
When he joined Manchester United from Arsenal this January, United made him the highest paid player in the Premier League. So far, Manchester United have not got their money's worth from him. Sure, he has shown flashes of brilliance, however, he hasn't been as consistent at United as he was at Arsenal.
There's no doubt that he is a fantastic player, though, who can scythe through defenses and score or set up plenty of goals. If he is anywhere near as consistent at Old Trafford as he was at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United will have another fearsome 20-goal-per-season player in their hands. There's no doubt, a consistent Sanchez can lead Manchester United to the very top.
Number 5: Romelu Lukaku
The big Belgian has certainly hit the ground running at Manchester United since his £75 million transfer last summer. He scored 16 Premier League goals in his first season at Old Trafford.
While that is certainly a significant number, he can definitely be counted upon to improve that tally this season, considering he has the talent to match Harry Kane, Salah and other top scorers. As the club's primary goalscorer, Lukaku has a huge influence on the club's performance in the league. Poor form on his part will certainly cost the side, just as certainly as good form will boost their chances of lifting the trophy this season.
He had a pretty good World Cup campaign, finishing third with Belgium, also scoring 4 goals in the tournament. Manchester United fans will certainly be hoping that he carries that good form into the domestic campaign.
