Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comparatively brief reign in charge of Manchester United was first brilliant and then harrowing. It raises the question of which run – 14 wins in 17 or seven defeats in nine – is the more accurate marker for this season.
Solskjaer should have a fitter squad, after injuries undermined his attempts at quick counter-attacking, and has set out his vision with the signings of the fast youngsters Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku’s situations highlight the problems of players who want to leave while Alexis Sanchez’s enduring presence is a reminder of the cost of past mistakes. After finishing 32 points back last season, the aim is simply a top-four finish.
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Who finishes where in 2019-20?
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20. Sheffield United. Chris Wilder, pictured, has achieved a great deal in getting the Blades up, but staying in the top flight could be a task too far. PA Photo -
19. Brighton & Hove Albion. Graham Potter, pictured, faces a tough ask after taking over as manager from Chris Hughton. Getty -
18. Newcastle United. A tough set of opening home fixtures could be difficult for Steve Bruce, pictured, and his side to recover from. Getty -
17. Norwich City. They need to tighten up defensively but the goals of Teemu Pukki, pictured, can keep them up. Getty -
16. Aston Villa. Jack Grealish, pictured, will have a key role to play in Villa's survival hopes. Getty -
15. Burnley. Sean Dyche's, pictured, team to have a steadier time of things after last season's early struggles. Reuters -
14. Bournemouth. Eddie Howe's side to maintain their attacking ethos though they will help Lloyd Kelly, pictured, can help shore things up at the other end. Getty -
13. Crystal Palace. Once again will be dependent on the goals of Wilfried Zaha, pictured. Reuters -
12. Watford. Concerns over a leaky defence but the quality of Gerard Deulofeu, pictured, should leave them in mid-table. AP Photo -
11. Southampton. Stability should come the Saints way under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, pictured. PA Photo -
10. Wolverhampton Wanderers. Balancing Europa League with domestic games may prove tough. Will look to more fine form from captain Conor Coady, pictured. Getty -
9. West Ham United. Should be another solid season with the hope Felipe Anderson, pictured, can kick on. Getty -
8. Everton. Bringing in Moise Kean, pictured, is a coup and should help Marco Silva's side continue to progress. Getty -
7. Leicester City. Signing Youri Tielemans, pictured, permanently will boost Leicester's hopes of a real push at the top six. Reuters -
6. Arsenal. Unai Emery will hope the record signing of Nicolas Pepe and the goals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, pictured, can push them closer to the top four. EPA -
5. Chelsea. New manager Frank Lampard needs big things from Christian Pulisic, pictured, if they are to excel. Reuters -
4. Manchester United. Signings such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, pictured, will tighten things up and should get United back in top four. Getty -
3. Tottenham Hotspur. Third place again for Spurs, though more is needed from Dele Alli, pictured. Getty -
2. Liverpool. Mohamed Salah, pictured, will be pivotal again but Jurgen Klopp's men to finish behind City again. AFP -
1. Manchester City. Hard to see beyond another title success for Pep Guardiola's, pictured, side. Getty
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Key player: David de Gea
There were several reasons for United's end-of-season slump and poor defensive record. One was that De Gea had his worst season at Old Trafford. But if having signed a new contract, he returns to the form that made him their player of the year in four of the previous five seasons, it would help restore solidity.
Signing to watch: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
United required a right-back, with Antonio Valencia declining and departing and Ashley Young struggling, and Wan-Bissaka was a revelation for Crystal Palace. No defender won more tackles in the Premier League last season and if his delivery in attack has to improve, his speed equips to halt even the best wingers.
Talking point: Which Pogba will United get?
The World Cup winner’s motivation was sometimes questioned even before he and his agent set about finding him a new club this summer. Yet if some think United would be best off without him, last season illustrated his catalytic impact.
The two-month spell where he got nine goals and six assists enabled Solskjaer to make a terrific start; United’s end-of-season slump mirrored Pogba’s.
Galvanising their most gifted player is crucial, and not least because United have no one else who can replicate his contribution. And while Pogba’s tally was swelled by penalties, his total of 16 goals in a mixed campaign last year shows his potential.
