Man Utd 2020/21: Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reach the next level? | Football news

Before the new season, we take a look at Man Utd’s strengths and weaknesses and what boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s goals will be …

Manchester United are on the cusp of a new campaign with renewed and realistic optimism that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can take them to the next level.

They may have finished the 2019/20 season without trophies, but an encouraging end to the Premier League campaign has built a stable foundation upon which United aim to close the gap with the champions of the previous two seasons, rivals Liverpool. and Manchester City.

With Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood in attack, the creativity and quality of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and new addition Donny van de Beek in midfield, and defensive security fueled last season, United have the makings of a team capable of promoting. the club to new heights, now it’s up to them to deliver.

Where is Man Utd standing?

Defeats in the semi-finals of the Europa League and the FA Cup saw Manchester United fall short in their bid to end the long 2019/20 campaign with a first piece of silver since 2017.

But finishing third in the Premier League was an exceptional feat for Solskjaer’s side, especially considering that only 22 days passed in the top four during the 2019/20 season.

United finished the 2019/20 season as the team in Premier League form, ending the campaign on a 14-game unbeaten streak, their longest streak without a loss since April 2017, and carrying that momentum forward could prove crucial for ensure a solid start. the club has not complied in previous seasons.

Where is United strong?

There have been question marks about David de Gea after a series of mistakes, but the fact that United still managed to concede the third fewest goals and were fourth in clean sheets suggests things are starting to get done. click defense.

United is a club that prides itself on developing young talent, with successful periods in the club’s history, synonymous with academy talent leaving its mark on the highest stages.

Last season, United’s latest crop of talent saw the club bet on an average age of starting XI, the lowest in the league, of just 25 years and 96 days.

With players like Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood aged 24 and under, it suggests there is much more to come from United.

Where does Manchester United need to improve?

United will want to improve in the face of goal, having scored fewer goals than Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester last season, while ranking eighth in creating big chances.

Solskjaer likes his wide-open men to break the lines, but statistics also suggest that there could be scope for his team to push opponents higher up the field.

The chart below suggests that Fernandes has improved scoring and creation performance since his debut in February. The arrival of Donny van de Beek addresses this, but these numbers would inevitably increase further if the club could sign Jadon Sancho.

Merson’s verdict

Paul Merson from Sky Sports:

“This is the season for Manchester United. It’s going to be close and a lot of teams will compete for the title and the top four. They just have to start this season like they finished the last one and they’ll be in the mix.

“What Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to do is kick the habit of going on a streak where they couldn’t lose a game and a streak where they couldn’t win a game. That can’t happen because if they have a bad month in the that if they don’t win a game, they’ll be out of the title race in an instant.

“I don’t care if it’s Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea or United, if you have a bad month you’ll be out of the title race, that’s how ruthless it will be this season.”

Key man

Manchester United did not lose a Premier League game after signing Bruno Fernandes for £ 47m from Sporting Lisbon in January.

The Portugal international started racing at Old Trafford and really found his rhythm after the restart, as he finished a stellar first campaign with United with 12 goals and eight assists.

United are constantly building a squad brimming with offensive talent, but buying Fernandes remains the most astute deal the club has made in recent years.

It should come as no surprise to see Fernandes at the forefront of United’s bid to move to the next level and turn a wealth of potential into tangible prizes.

One to look at

For years to come, the 2019/20 season will be remembered for a multitude of reasons, both on and off the field. But, from a Manchester United perspective, he will always be remembered for the appearance of Mason Greenwood.

The 18-year-old finished an impressive campaign with 19 goals and five assists that underscored his credentials as one of the most lethal young shooters in English football.

The world will be watching closely to see where Greenwood goes next. If his first season was something to go through, we might witness figures never before seen by a teenager.

What is the success of Man Utd in 2020/21?

Winning the Premier League is Manchester United’s ultimate goal before each season, and this year is no different.

It’s a goal United have failed to achieve since 2013, but for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, it’s realistic once again.

Seeing Liverpool end their 30-year wait to be crowned champions should have lit a fire under everyone at Manchester United.

Like Liverpool and their trajectory with Jurgen Klopp, cup competitions could prove crucial for United to become true title contenders.

Winning the title may be beyond such a young team this season, but honing a winning mentality this season is essential if that goal is to be achieved in the years to come.