Are Manchester United set for a Title Challenge this Season?

Fans of football were spoiled last summer as the show never seemed to end with the delayed  Euro 2020 taking place. However, as always, football fans simply could not wait for the return of the Premier League. Enjoyable as the competition may have been, it simply cannot compare to the regular matches of the team you love and all the gossip and arguments that go along with it. 

Punters enjoy making wagers, taking in a wide variety of betting markets at any live casino regarding the upcoming football. Even before the season starts, there is always excitement, as hype builds about the latest players the club has been linked with and rising hope that they can pull off some fantastic deals to give the fans optimism for the coming season. 

The season is not long underway, and while starting promisingly, Manchester United has appeared to begin to stutter a little bit. The pressure of reclaiming their crown, which has eluded them since 2013 despite being so successful before that, seems to be mounting. 

Yet, it’s not all bad news for Manchester United fans, as there are plenty of reasons to suggest they may still challenge for the title over the course of the season. Exciting players have arrived at the club, which still gives hope the title will return to Old Trafford this season.

The Signing of Jadon Sancho

Acquiring the services of Jadon Sancho was a big statement of intent by the club. Constantly touted as the best player of his generation, this Englishman has done nothing but win over his doubters during the last few seasons. Originally plying his trade at cross-city rivals Manchester City, he became frustrated with his lack of playing time. At the tender age of 17, he decided to make the move to the top German club Borussia Dortmund and has made amazing progress in his development since then.

Manchester United bought him to boost their attacking options and although it appears he has not fully settled in yet, hopes are extremely high for the future. Despite being a long-winded transfer saga, with United's interest apparent in buying him ongoing since last year, fans celebrated his arrival at Old Trafford. They love attacking football and the signing of this young, confident, skillful player can let them dream of a successful campaign this time around. Thoughts of him linking up with his England teammate, striker Marcus Rashford, when Rashford returns from injury has everyone concerned with the club feeling excited.

Return of a Legend

It's not often a player of Cristiano Ronaldo’s caliber becomes available and Manchester United appeared to move quickly once the news broke. Fans who had dreamed of a return for the boy who became a superstar could not believe what they were seeing. It was a massive story, plastered all over the news and social media. At 36, his reasonable transfer fee and high wages were deemed to be acceptable as he is a proven player of superb quality.

Manchester United is keen to get back to the top where they belong and the only way of doing this is by signing the very best players. Ronaldo is still seen to have a few years left at the top as he keeps himself in superb shape. Guaranteeing goals wherever he goes, he was instantly installed as being one of the favorites for top goalscorer of the season in the Premier League at online betting sites. As if he is not revered enough, his legendary status with the fans would only increase if he fires them to the Premier League title they crave so badly. 

How about the Defence?

There's no point in signing all these decent attacking players if you have a leaky defence, costing the team valuable points. Confidence remains high in captain Harry McGuire, who certainly seems to have improved since signing from Leicester in 2019. Luke Shaw had an outstanding season for the club last year and performed admirably for England in the Euros. Aaron Wan Bissaka seems quite confident and self-assured on the ball, and it appears to be Victor Lindelof the club is worried about.

Mistakes and an apparent lack of concentration have brought attention to Lindelof's poor quality. Fans are nervous when he comes under pressure and this rubs off on the players. Luckily for Manchester United, one of the best defenders in recent years, Raphael Varane of Real Madrid, became available and was keen to join. Looking for a new challenge, he is a top-class footballer, and probably in the peak years of his career. Signing a player like this can only strengthen Manchester United's bid to win the league.

Will he stay or will he Go?

With the amount of transfer speculation surrounding Paul Pogba even surpassing that of Jadon Sancho, constant rumors have the Manchester United board and fans unhappy. He is in the last year of his contract and seemingly stalling on a new one, thus enabling him to leave next summer on a free transfer. This is a nightmare scenario for United as he is their record signing at £93 million. While his time at the club has not been a success, he is undoubtedly the best midfielder the club has.


Players such as Fred, Scott McTominay, and Donny van de Beek cannot be expected to lead a title charge and many feel they are just not good enough for Manchester United. Players such as Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga were overlooked in the summer and hopefully, that will not turn out to be a mistake. Maybe it is time to sell up and move on into a new chapter of success as Pogba seems to have unsettled the team more than helped it along the years and maybe they would be better off without him.

Summary

It has been a long few years in the wilderness for Manchester United in the Premier League after the trophy-filled era of the great Sir Alex Ferguson. The spectre of 13 titles, which have not been added to since he retired, and his presence at the games and advice has hung over each Manchester United manager since then. Yet, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has improved the side and it's clear that progress has been made since his arrival.

These top signings may provide the final push over the line the team needs, as while there are promising youngsters ready to make the step up, problems remain. Liverpool and Manchester City will prove to be big rivals again, but finally, this may be the season Manchester United announce their arrival back in the big time.