Few teams started the European soccer season as hot as Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho’s men have looked unstoppable in the first three weeks of the English Premier League. They have three consecutive wins, have scored 10 goals, and are yet to concede. They sit at the top of the standings, and even though they have not played against top teams such as Chelsea or Manchester City, they look well equipped to maintain themselves near the top during the entire season.
The season is still young but make no mistake. Manchester United have all the tools necessary to win the Premier League title this year.
Defensive Unit
Let’s start with their defensive unit. Manchester United have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in David De Gea. He has kept three straight clean sheets and is in the best form of his life. And in case of a potential injury, United have Sergio Romero. The Argentina international is easily one of the best backup goalkeepers in the world, and he played a key role in United’s Europa League campaign last season.
The defensive line has depth both at the fullback and center back roles. Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian usually start at the flanks, but Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, and even Phil Jones can provide adequate coverage when needed. Valencia and Darmian are two-way players, however, and they can pose a threat on both sides of the ball.
The center back position has Eric Bailly as their star, but there is a lot of depth with Victor Lindelöf, Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo. The latter is rehabbing from injury, but Rojo is an experienced player who, at the very least, should add decent depth as well.
Cohesive, Creative Midfield
One of the most underrated signings for Manchester United this summer was the move to land Nemanja Matic from Chelsea. And while the Serbia international is not a prolific scorer, he has added some much-needed physicality and grit to the team’s midfield. Matic has been playing next to Paul Pogba in central midfield, and both have formed an impressive partnership. In case of any injury, Mourinho has Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick to provide coverage. Fellaini and Herrera could easily start for most sides in the Premier League, which shows United’s impressive depth in midfield.
The attacking midfielder role has been occupied by Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian international has already accumulated five assists in three EPL starts this season, and has dazzled in a free role this year. In case he doesn’t start, United can adapt Juan Mata to that role or simply move Pogba into an AMC position just like they used to do months ago.
Deadly Attacking Line
Even though United have a world-class player like Pogba in midfield, their attacking line is their best one by a wide margin. Romelu Lukaku has three goals in three EPL matches so far, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have thrived off the bench, and they also have depth in the wings with Mata, Jesse Lingard, and attacking fullbacks such as Valencia and Darmian.
But the best attacker United have is not ready to play yet. Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed a one-year deal while recovering from the knee injury he suffered in April, and should be ready to return around October or November. It remains to be seen how Mourinho will adapt the team to play Lukaku and Ibrahimovic together. However, the sole idea of them playing up front should create havoc on opposing defenses.
Challengers for Manchester United?
United’s road to the title is not going to be easy, however. Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all capable of mounting a title challenge. Even teams like Everton will make things difficult for them.
However, United’s start has been the real deal. With 35 matches left on the calendar, and a lot of football on the horizon. But based on what we have seen so far, United are a top candidate to take home the title. And they have all the necessary tools to remain at the top until the season ends.