Thursday 3 August 2017 18:46, UK
Will Man Utd be Premier League title contenders? Read our 2017/18 season preview with expert views from Soccer Saturday pundit Matt Le Tissier.
Finishing position: Sixth (-1)
Total points: 69 (+3)
Europa League: Winners
FA Cup: Semi-finals
EFL Cup: Winners
Top league scorer: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (17)
Key stat: United recorded a 25-match unbeaten run between October and May which now stands as their longest unbeaten run within a single league season but they were far from convincing in that period, with 12 draws in the sequence. They had 10 draws at Old Trafford in the competition, with 38 shots recorded against Burnley in October as it ended 0-0 - the result typifying how difficult is sometimes was to break down teams at home.
Major ins: Victor Lindelof (Benfica, £30.7m), Romelu Lukaku (Everton, £90m), Nemanja Matic (Chelsea, £40m).
Major outs: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (released), Wayne Rooney (Everton, undisclosed), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad, undisclosed), Sam Johnstone (Aston Villa, loan).
Will Mourinho take Man Utd on a title challenge?
LE TISS: Yeah I think they'll be up there challenging. I don't think they'll win it but I think they've done some good business and will be among the top four.
Which of their players are most excited about watching?
LE TISS: After signing Nemanja Matic I'm excited to see how Paul Pogba does, with a bit more freedom to operate in a more advanced position. I'd like to see him take games by the scruff of the neck and show everybody why he's worth the £89m paid for him.
What are the challenges facing the manager this season?
LE TISS: I guess the main challenge will be coping with the fixtures. I know they had the Europa League but the Champions League is a different level and if they have as many injuries, which a lot of their defenders do tend to be prone to, it will be a challenge being successful on both fronts.
What are their strengths?
LE TISS: All of the attacking talent that they've got. Antony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. They've lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic but their wealth of forward players should improve this season.
What are their weaknesses?
LE TISS: I don't see too many, to be honest, but they've got to bring that air of invincibility back to Old Trafford, which doesn't happen overnight.
I don't see too many weaknesses to be honest, but they've got to bring that air of invincibility back to Old Trafford.
Where will they finish this season and why?
LE TISS: I think they'll have a strong season, maybe not as good as City. I'd go with second or third.
