Season Preview: Are Manchester United a better team than last season?
Previous season
After signing Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly last summer, their league campaign was nothing short of pathetic. Even Bournemouth (55) scored more goals in the Premier League than Jose Mourinho's side (54).
United were eventually bailed out after winning the Europa League, but a 6th place finish was not good enough for Mourinho and cannot be repeated this time around.
It wasn't so much that United played badly; in fact it was often the opposite, however their finishing was woeful. In fact, only five teams had a worse conversion rate than Mourinho's side (9.1%). Their inability to kill off games they dominated translated into 15 draws in the league. 15!
Transfer summary
Before signing Nemanja Matic, United were arguably going to start the campaign with a worse team than the one that finished last season. However, Mourinho now has a defensive midfielder that will bring the best out of Paul Pogba.
Not only did they manage to weaken a direct rival by signing the Serbia international, they also hi-jacked Chelsea's move for Romelu Lukaku. Only Manchester City (76) created more clear-cut chances than United (60) in the league last season, but no team had a worse big chance conversion rate than Mourinho’s side (43.3%). Lukaku should be a goal machine if United can continue to carve opportunities out.
Victor Lindelof was the first signing through the door this summer but endured a difficult pre-season. He will need time to adapt, which may make for some nervy moments early on in the season.
One to watch - Paul Pogba
Last season was a difficult one for Pogba. After being made the most expensive player on the planet, far too much was expected of the 24-year-old. The criticism was often overblown, as United's best moments usually revolved around his creativity. Had it not been for United's wasteful finishing, his numbers would have looked far more impressive.
Nevertheless, Mourinho will expect more, particularly in the big games where he was often found wanting last season. The arrival of Matic should at least free up Pogba in midfield and bring the very best out of the France international. This could be a big year for Pogba.
Predicted finish - 2nd
Jose Mourinho has won a league title in the second season of every club he has been at in his managerial career and it will be one of his greatest achievements if he repeats the trick at United. However, United still don't look quite there and they might fall marginally short in the title race.
