Solskjaer gives his early verdict on whether United can challenge for the title

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Manchester United head into the upcoming campaign with hopes to improve on last season’s second position.

The 2021/22 Premier League also looks like being one of the most competitive in recent memory.

Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool all look strong and with fans back in stadiums, the upcoming season is one to really look forward to.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is refusing to get carried away before a ball is kicked, nor will he be getting swept up in excitement after the 4-0 friendly win over Everton last weekend.

Solskjaer knows the hard work is about to begin, and he is cautious when it comes to a title challenge.

The United boss believes the team is capable, but knows that last season’s poor start cannot be repeated if United have serious aspirations to win the league. The team one won and lost two of the opening three games, and did not win a Premier League home match until the 1-0 victory over West Brom in mid-November.

Solskjaer knows start is key

Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2, Solskjaer said: “We lost three or four of the first home games last season, I do not remember completely. We will not do that this year.

“You have to start well, gain momentum. Last year we were number two, the year before number three, so there is progression. You have to be on top from the first to the last match.

“We were stable from November 1 to May 10-12, when we lost one match. If we manage to recreate it, we can help fight for things in March, April, May.”

United’s season begins against Leeds at Old Trafford on Saturday. Last season began with a 3-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace.

Solskjaer’s side did well to rally from that and even topped the table in January, but it meant there was no room for error, and when the team did suffer a little dip in form, there was no cushion. It is really important the team start well this season, and the United manager knows it.

As he states, if United are in the mix late in the season, then the team have a chance, but they have to earn it.

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