MANCHESTERUNITED
Back in the big time
Fifty-five years after George Best inspired the Red Devils to their first European Cup, United desperately need to act fast to restore some much-needed A-list credibility. Since Sir Alex Ferguson departed the Old Trafford scene in 2013 – leaving a legacy of two Champions League triumphs – this most prestigious of football addresses has lost its continental lustre. In the post-Fergie era, the furthest they have gone in the Champions League is a pair of quarter-final appearances. Where they once regarded the competition as their back-garden, it’s now only a holiday home.
Since swapping Ajax for Old Trafford a year ago, Erik ten Hag has got most calls right. A club which had lost its way has now rediscovered high standards, and third place in the Premier League last season was a more than decent return – especially when the campaign featured home victories over rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. That said, much work remains to be done.
What is the number one asset of this current United side?
Probably on the defensive side, where outstanding Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez and Brazil holding midfielder Casemiro constitute a mean, ruthless rearguard barrier. With the South American pairing providing the ballast to the rear, United recorded 17 clean sheets in the Premier League last season, more than anyone else.
How important is the arrival of Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72m?
The evidence was there for all to see that United lacked an out-and-out striker last term. Cristiano Ronaldo no longer had the mobility, Wout Weghorst lacked the class, while Marcus Rashford is more at home on the left. Hojlund plainly has the potential, but United are gambling on the 20-year-old.
Is Andre Onana a solid replacement for David de Gea in goal?
First of all it has to be said that de Gea, a United mainstay for over a decade,
