Manchester United, the Premier League heavyweights, invested heavily and appointed Jose Mourinho as their new boss in order to regain the lost pride and fight for the Premier League title. However, the Red Devils only managed to finish sixth in the league following a number of frustrating outcomes, but they eventually clinched two crucial titles in form of League Cup and UEFA Europa League and the later earned them a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League competition.
Players Who Impressed This Season
Manchester United had an injury-riddled season, yet a few of their stars lived up to the expectations. Eric Bailly, the £30 mil signing from Villarreal, brought in stability in deep defence whereas, youngster Marcus Rashford kept on impressing up front. Ander Herrera, the Spaniard, enjoyed a productive campaign in the middle of the park. Antonio Valencia had a stellar show in right-back role. Also, Swedish sensation Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who completed a Bosman transfer, continued his illustrious scoring record and netted 28 goals altogether before being sidelined with a season-ending ACL injury.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
The Red Devils re-signed their former academy prodigy Paul Pogba for an all-time record transfer fee of €105 mil from Juventus. But the Frenchman failed to match the hype and struggled to settle in his returning campaign in Premier League. Also, the likes of Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian and Anthony Martial failed to impress this season. Skipper Wayne Rooney had another disappointing campaign as he struggled to have enough game-time and might move elsewhere at the twilight of his colourful career.
Season Status
Manchester United made a few top-notch signings in order to reconquer the league throne. But their league season ended in a disappointment as they finished sixth following a series of frustrating draws. However, they still managed to clinch a couple of majors in form of League Cup defeating Southampton in Wembley final and won their maiden Europa League title over Ajax that earned them a place in next season’s prestigious Champions League competition.
Areas Of Improvement
Despite securing a place in next season’s Champions League, Manchester United need reinforcements in a few positions.
They have already secured the signing of Swedish and Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof who is believed to be a long-term solution in an injury-plagued United backline for years to come. Also, they have released injured marksman Ibrahimovic and Rooney’s unimpressive display have forced him to recruit a new forward ahead of next season. Alvaro Morata, the Spanish international, is touted to complete a £64 million switch from La Liga as well as Champions League winners Real Madrid and the reputation the youngster has earned so far is expected to reflect for the Manchester giants as well.
Expectations From 2016-17 Season
Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician, has always enjoyed a highly impressive second campaign with his previous employers and is believed to reflect the same for the Red Devils. With such hefty transfer spending, Manchester United are set to challenge for the league title and enjoy a decent run in Europe’s most elite competition.
