Aniket Rai
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s contract extension gives the Norwegian a chance to deliver on the potential that his initial managerial reign has promised to date. According to the man himself, after signing the extension, which runs until 2024, “we are all ready to take that next step on our journey.” After some near-misses since taking charge, that next step must include silverware.
Despite a second-place finish in the Premier League last season, odds from bookmakers such as LeoVegas suggest that United have more ground to make up on their title rivals. Reigning champions Man City (4/6) are heavy favourites, but Solskjaer’s men are behind Chelsea and Liverpool (both 24/5) in the latest outright betting. It’s 13/2 (7.50) for United to end their eight-year wait for a league title. There are a host of other Premier League prices to consider alongside the latest LeoVegas bonus code, including top-four odds. United’s total trophies won an even number of points in the season.
Despite that assessment, United’s transfer business has been encouraging for further improvement. Jadon Sancho provided 11 Bundesliga assists at Dortmund last season. That’s one fewer than Bruno Fernandes in a campaign that is four games shorter. With proven form in the Champions League, the 21-year-old is one of the most exciting signings in recent years.
The board are clearly backing the manager in the transfer market, and that is an encouraging sign. At a time when many clubs may face a reduced transfer budget, Sancho and Varane are bold moves. If Sancho can hit the ground running, then United boast a formidable attack.
Red Devils netted 73 goals last term, the second-best tally in the top tier – only the champions netted more. Adding one of Europe’s leading creative talents into the mix gives Solskjaer even more firepower to call upon in the final third. There is plenty of optimism about the opposite end of the pitch, too, with the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane.
The Champions League and World Cup winner should add some much-needed steel to a backline that was found lacking last season. 44 goals conceded was only the fifth-best total in the division and was a significant reason that United were unable to convert more of their 11 draws into 3 points. If Solskjaer is to oversee a realistic challenge, then the defence will need to take another step forward.
That looks very possible with the signing of Varane from Real Madrid, though. At 28, he has the top-level experience to become a pivotal player immediately. His Partnership with Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw could be solid. Set pieces have been something of a problem area, and the addition of a 6-foot 4 defender who offers a dominant aerial presence is the right move.
While the squad remains a work in progress, there are very promising signs ahead of the new season getting underway against Leeds on 14th August. Indeed, Gary Neville believes United are just one more signing away from title contention.
What are your thoughts on it?
