Six reasons for Manchester United fans to be positive ahead of 2021/22

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The Euros are finally over and there is less than one week until Manchester United’s first pre-season fixture.

The 2021/22 season begins on August 14 and United are already back in pre-season training.

Last season United finished in second place and reached the Europa League final. It was a season of steady progress

United supporters should be excited about the next year ahead as the country moves on from Euro 2020 hysteria. Here is a look at five reasons to look forward to the upcoming club season…

Jadon Sancho

Finally Manchester United have the winger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has wanted for two summers. The club confirmed the deal earlier in the month.

Sancho will make United even more exciting in attack, which is ominous for opponents considering last season we scored 73 goals, the second highest in the Premier League.

The incoming winger can run with the ball and beat opponents, pick out passes, and score goals, and he should be a perfect fit for United’s front line with his ability to play on both flanks.

Sancho is a signing for the long term, while possessing the ability to make an immediate impact. He is going to make a big impact this season and gets fans off their seats. With supporters back in stadiums, he is exactly the kind of player United need.

There are likely to be more signings too and these new faces will give United the lift the current squad needs.

A title challenge

This is the first season in what feels like a long while that Manchester United supporters come into the campaign expecting a title challenge.

Of course nobody is naive enough to believe United will win the league in a cakewalk, but our expectations should be high and the team should be aiming for first place.

While there was some small satisfaction to be taken from finishing second, it was tempered by the fact City won the league. Going from third in 2019/20 to second in 20/21, it feels like this side should be taking the next step.

A lot can go wrong and a lot can go right, but with just six defeats in 20/21, two of which came after a top four place was already secured, United have a solid platform from which to build. We go in with high expectations that United will be in the mix for first place this season once again.

Champions League

United’s fire burned bright and fast in the Champions League in 2020/21 before being extinguished too quickly.

You would face United to get a softer group stage draw this season and reach the knockout rounds.

From there anything is possible as a pretty un-special Chelsea side showed this past season. United should be aiming for the big prize, with no side in Europe looking particularly dominant.

United have not lost a two-legged knockout round in two seasons either, defeated only in a one-off Europa semi-final in 2020 and the final in 2021.

This side should have aspirations to go deep in the competition and try and win the trophy for a fourth time.

Edinson Cavani

Manchester United have one more year of Edinson Cavani, so let’s enjoy it.

The Uruguayan managed to net 17 goals last season despite joining United late after a five month break from football, and saw him battle fitness issues and suspension.

This time Cavani is settled in England, knows his teammates and the Premier League, and has adjusted off the pitch.

Cavani will want to make his second and final season at United count and win a trophy. Let’s sit back and enjoy the ride as we witness one of the best strikers of the last decade in world football do United proud.

Unbelievable young talent

Manchester United are privileged to have some of the best young talent in world football on the books.

These include players like Mason Greenwood and Amad who have already made first team contributions.

The likes of James Garner, Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Hannibal Mejbri also featured for the first team last season and if they all stay and don’t go out on loan they could have an even bigger impact next season.

There are more exciting players in the under-23s and under-18s too with strikers Joe Hugill and Charlie McNeill. Midfield talent Isak Hansen-Aaroen is another one to watch.

The continued development of United top young players is one more reason to feel positive about the upcoming campaign.

Fans back in stadiums

Seeing crowds back at stadiums is going to make a big difference to how we watch football after 12 months without. The atmosphere at some of the Euro 2020 games was memorable.

It is going to be amazing to see a packed Old Trafford once again and it is going to inspire the players.

While it may make for some trickier away trips, United’s home record should improve with fans back in stadiums again. Kicking off against rivals Leeds should be special.

Playing in front of fans is going to be special for players like Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes who have barely had the opportunity so far. Expect some memorable moments and performances.

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