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With the opening day extravaganza against Leeds, Manchester United have delivered their statement of intent to the top sides of the Premier League in some style. A 5-1 goal fest against the men from West Yorkshire to start their league campaign is just the start Ole Gunnar Solskjær needed to set the ambitions high for Manchester United in the 2021-22 Premier League season. As they say, "Start as you mean to go on!"
With a win already in the bag, and 37 fixtures more to go, let's take a look at the
5 predictions for Manchester United's remainder of the season
#5 Attack will be Manchester United's best defence
Attacking football is a desire, a demand and a must for all Manchester United teams. "Attack! Attack! Attack!" is not just a warcry used by those at the Stretford End that mystifyingly pushes the team goalwards.. It's an identity that all successful Manchester United teams of the past have had and flourished with.
This season, Ole Gunnar Solskjær could answer those critical of his tactical prowess by delivering the true brand of football he envisions Manchester United to play with - Aggressive in Attack and High Pressing in transition.
With the latest addition of Raphaël Varane, Manchester United could finally have the freedom to play a high defensive line that quickly unleashes their fluid counter attacks into opposition territory. This could effectively break down teams employing the low-block by aggressively playing out from the back.
With Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford being tasked with unlocking defenses, this season could prove to be a feast for the strikers at the club. They will be able to enjoy a greater degree of attacking freedom and bring Manchester United ever closer to their "Attack! Attack! Attack!" identity.
#4 The resurgence of Paul Pogba
The 2020-21 season began with a relatively slow start for the highly rated Manchester United star Paul Pogba, with Covid-19 taking a massive toll on his fitness. Constant doubts regarding his future (induced by his agent Mino Raiola) right before the start of the season resulted in his first-team opportunities becoming limited.
However, Pogba was arguably among the best players for the French National Team at UEFA Euro 2020, despite their early exit. Pogba has set the stage to take his club career to greater heights this season.
He ended last season with a measly 3 assists in the Premier League for Manchester United. However, Pogba has definitely announced his intention to challenge the top creators of the league by already laying down 4 assists on opening day this season.
At the heart of a considerably stronger Manchester United squad, Paul Pogba is in prime position to deliver performances similar to those in his international campaigns. He could finally build a lasting impression among the Stretford End faithful this season.
#3 Goals galore
Manchester United's opening day victory at Old Trafford saw 19 year-old Mason Greenwood start at the no. 9 position for Manchester United. Questions were asked before the game regarding his capability to start as a striker.
Additionally, Edinson Cavani's unavailability, coupled with Anthony Martial's lack of match sharpness, meant there was substantial doubt in the air regarding United's finishing department heading into the game.
Oh, how the doubts were quashed!
Mason Greenwood proved exactly why Ole Gunnar Solskjær thinks he's the cleanest finisher Manchester United have had in their attacking ranks in quite a while. Cutting in from the left to convert a sublime pass from Pogba into a drilled finish with his left foot to score was exactly why he was picked for the game.
Moreover, putting in quality movements into the box to find those delicate half-chances is also something the fans appreciated, tellingly.
Miracle? Not by any chance. If the development of Mason Greenwood into a skilled goalscorer is something to go by, then Manchester United are set for greater attacking output this season.
Bruno Fernandes consistently makes forward runs to break defenses down, and Paul Pogba seems to be at his creative best. With the likes of a seasoned goalscorer in Edinson Cavani who could mentor United's other forwards, Manchester United look deadly. The Red Devils could well be poised to break previous records and outperform their expected goals for the season.
#4 Bruno Fernandes to reach new heights
Ever since he arrived from Sporting CP, Bruno Fernandes has, time and again, been the key man to bring Manchester United over to the finish line, no matter the competition. So much so, that since he joined the Premier League, Bruno Fernandes has averaged a goal or an assist every 91 minutes.
Starting off the first game of the new season with a hat-trick of goals was just what he needed to remind the fans of how much more this Manchester United team has to offer when he's on top of his game.
Be it instructing his team-mates to press higher up the field, taking more risks to deliver quality balls into the box or scoring crackers. Bruno Fernandes is the talisman who makes this Manchester United team tick.
The upcoming season promises to be one of his career's best years as he looks to finally take Manchester United closer to silverware. He is also expected to close in on the Premier League's top scorers and top assist providers with his incredible G/A contributions.
#5 Silverware potentially on the cards
Manchester United have got off to a terrific start in the 2021-22 Premier League season by dismantling Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United. Ole Gunnar Solskjær may finally believe that this could be the year in which he finally delivers much-elusive silverware to the club and its fans.
Intelligent recruitment, increasing attacking synergy amongst core team members and an insatiable hunger in the dressing room are some key factors. The Manchester United manager will rely heavily on these if he is to complete his rebuild at the club and start delivering on his promise of bringing back the glory days.
Last season, Manchester United came incredibly close to winning the UEFA Europa League, only to lose on penalties to Spanish side Villarreal. This season, however, with signings that could make a significant difference, Manchester United will look to go the distance in all competitions.
They are expected to mount a real challenge in all the tournaments they will play in. Manchester United will also, quite possibly, play a part in an exciting title race that marks the return of their promised glory days.
With plenty of silverware on offer and a team capable of winning some, a trophy or two will be a realistic expectation this season.
