This summer has been a very frustrating one for Manchester United supporters, with just one signing made so far.
With rivals strengthening, it is going to be tough for United to mount a title challenge. However, negativity is not why we are here.
It is important not to lose sight of the quality United have in key areas ahead of the season kick-off.
Goalkeeper competition
For years, David de Gea has lacked real competition at Old Trafford. As good as Sergio Romero is, he is too content being a back-up.
Dean Henderson is not at United to become a reserve. He wants to be United’s number one.
Henderson was a top 10 goalkeeper in the Premier League last season, while De Gea has allowed errors to creep into his game.
United have two of the league’s best goalkeepers battling it out. That should result in increased standards and better performances from whoever gets selected.
Strong defence
It is easy to nitpick individual errors in the search of perfection as we analyse defensive performances from Manchester United’s players.
But last season United had one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.
The team conceded 36 goals in 38 games, the third fewest in the division, just three less than the league’s top record.
United’s defence could be improved if Eric Bailly or Axel Tuanzebe can take the leap forward to displace Victor Lindelof.
While there has been a disappointment no players have been added here, a successful core is here.
One of the league’s best midfields
While United missed out on Thiago (were we ever really in for him?) – the Red Devils have one of the best and most varied midfields in the Premier League.
Donny van de Beek is a complimentary option to United’s first choice trio of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Bruno Fernandes, who has emerged as one of the best players in English football.
United also have Fred and Scott McTominay as depth options, two players who both excelled when called upon to start regularly last season.
With an extra year together, this midfield unit could really gel, and United have options to play both a trio, or a diamond in a 4-4-2.
Goalscoring talent
Three Manchester United players combined to score 62 goals in all competitions last season.
Anthony Martial (23), Marcus Rashford (22) and Mason Greenwood (17) all set personal bests.
The trio should each be looking to outscore their previous seasons, and with extra time together, they could become even more dangerous.
Ideally there would be a fourth player added to ease the pressure on the trio. This is where Jadon Sancho would come in.
But if United are forced to rely on the three, we can at least be confident in their ability, providing they can stay fit.
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- Tom Heaton tips resilient Harry Maguire to bounce back from England snub
- ‘Rejected’… Ruben Amorim suffers major blow as AC Milan deal for key addition collapses already
- What sources close to Patrick Dorgu are now saying about his long-term future for Man Utd
- Kobbie Mainoo says England are about to face a player Casemiro speaks so highly about, ‘Pedestal…’
- Bruno Fernandes has now told Man Utd to sign £85m midfielder who is ‘very keen’ on transfer
- Michael Carrick lifts lid on Sir Jim Ratcliffe relationship as optimism brews for new season
- Graeme Souness says he’s now changed his mind about Bruno Fernandes at Man Utd
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