Manchester United, one of the most popular clubs in the world, and Jose Mourinho both need to prove certain things this season. United have struggled in the last three seasons after their legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson called time on his coaching career. After David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, the responsibility has now been handed to Mourinho to turn the tables around.
The job will not be easy for Mourinho and Co as the Premiership has become extremely competitive in recent times. Now five-six teams compete regularly for the title race. Even teams like Leicester City, who were battling relegation two years ago, became champions last season playing quality football.
In the last couple of years, United have spent a lot of money in the transfer market. Expensive recruits like Angel di Maria, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay did not bring the expected results for the Red Devils. Even this season, the transfer spree continued as Paul Pogba rejoined the club for a world record fee of £89 million. The amount of money spent to buy back Pogba raised eyebrows as the midfielder was allowed to leave for just £1.5m in 2012. Mourinho also made some key additions to the squad like Zlatan Ibrahimovic (free), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£26.3m) and Eric Bailly (£30m).
The attacking line seems explosive as the signing of Ibrahimovic will play a huge impact in United’s game. The Swede has already made his mark in the Community Shield with the 83rd minute winner. The world class Ibrahimovic has been successful in all the major leagues of the world. His experience will surely guide the young attacking talents like Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Martial.
Ibrahimovic partnering with club captain Wayne Rooney will be another thing to watch out for. With these two proven goalscorers, United fans will certainly hope for the goals to flow this season, as they managed only 46 last season.
Rooney has to find his rhythm immediately under Mourinho. Rooney, a proven goal scorer in the EPL, lost his form in the last two campaigns and even played in midfield during LVG’s tenure. Mourinho recently revealed that he will not play Rooney in midfield any more. Now it is time for Rooney to step up as it will be vital for his international career as well.
In midfield, Mourinho has various options. Everyone is interested to know how Pogba will be implemented in Mourinho’s plan. After all, the role of the central midfielder is very essential in Mourinho’s style of play. Mourinho also has the option of using Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin or the veteran Michael Carrick.
In defence, Mourinho will be relying on Bailly and Chris Smalling. The oft-injured Luke Shaw is back to full fitness and impressed Mourinho in pre-season. The Italian Matteo Darmian is a good option in right back and even Antonio Valencia can play at that position.
Between the posts, Mourinho has David de Gea who was probably their standout performer last season. But Mourinho perhaps needs another world class centreback. The EPL, after all, is a marathon and not a long sprint so if players pick up injuries at crucial junctures, then the title challenge will fall apart.
So Mourinho has a very good squad at his disposal. It will be a challenge for him to transform United into champions again. Mourinho waited for almost eight months last year after being sacked by Chelsea. So he will be eager to prove his doubters wrong. And with such a balanced squad, it is high time for Mourinho to show his greatness in the Premiership again.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
