A 3-2 win against Southampton gave Manchester United their first trophy of the season and United fans will be hoping that it is the first of many. A Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace and a solitary goal from Jesse Lingard sealed a win for Jose Mourinho’s side. Mourinho became the first United manager to win a trophy in his opening season.
But the path was not easy. United started the season on a winning note but then suffered consecutive losses against Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford. They also got thrashed 4-0 at the hand of Chelsea which incidentally is Mourinho’s worst result in the Premier League so far. Although a Premier League crown is looking bleak at this moment, United still has two competitions to play for and they are currently aiming for a treble.
Let us take a look at 3 players who need to step up for Manchester United to achieve this aim.
Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United captain has been a bit-part player under Mourinho as the Portuguese manager has been using Ibrahimovic upfront. The £300,000k a week player has been linked with a number of clubs including a massive offer from China but has shown his commitment to remain at the club. With United set to resume their FA Cup and Europa League campaign, Jose Mourinho might need him as a backup option and he has shown earlier what he is capable of. A player of Rooney’s stature would be a boon to any team.
Paul Pogba
The £89m arrival from Juventus is still trying to adapt to the Premier League. With Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick alongside him in the middle of the park, they have let the French midfielder do his thing.
Pogba’s precise passing has been one of the highlights of this season. He and Zlatan have combined well but the midfielder has to improve on his current form.
Luke Shaw
The United left-back has fallen down the pecking order this season with Mourinho preferring Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian as left backs. Shaw’s double leg break last season had put a question mark on his career but he came back brilliantly from the trauma. He hasn’t had many chances this season but Mourinho has made it clear that he wants the youngster to thrive in this club and will give him chances to prove his potential and if Shaw gets a number of games, his career can get back on track once again.
