With the 2015/16 English Premier League season a matter of weeks away, Richard Jolly provides his thoughts on each of the 20 teams and predicts their final league finish. Here he looks at Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal achieved his first goal by restoring United to the top four at the first time of asking.
That, however, was the easy part, considering he spent £152 million (Dh866m). The harder part will be making them champions again.
Trophies are on the agenda and United may find them easier to come by in the domestic cups.
Van Gaal now has to balance Uefa Champions League participation with weekend fixtures and use the squad.
He has a stronger group this season. United’s first four signings all look excellent. They required a right-back, and Italy international Matteo Darmian has arrived. Winger Memphis Depay promises more penetration in attack. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin offer experience and energy respectively in midfield.
Yet the concern lies in the issues that are unresolved. David de Gea seems likely to stay but is shrouded in uncertainty while the unsettled Angel Di Maria could go.
Meanwhile, United are still to sign the top-class centre-back they require. With Robin van Persie going, Van Gaal seems short of a striking alternative to Wayne Rooney. United, who were mediocre away from home last season and were not prolific enough, still look a work in progress. Such sides rarely become champions.
Key Man: Memphis Depay — The 22-goal top scorer in the Dutch league last season. United have not had a prolific winger since Cristiano Ronaldo. The £25m winger has the potential to change that.
Pivotal Signing: Bastian Schweinsteiger — The World Cup winner brings the intelligence that Louis van Gaal values. United should have a midfield controller who could offer the direction they lacked at times last season.
Crucial Factor: How quickly they gel. Van Gaal has a raft of new signings but his first season at Old Trafford showed United only found their best form and formation for a few weeks in spring. They will need to be more convincing earlier this year.
Prediction: 4th
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