Introducing Premier League teams: Manchester United must become a team, Erik ten Hag is clear. But does Ronaldo know it too?

Manchester United is at the beginning of a new era. Yes, we’ve heard that a few times in recent years, but this time it might actually be true! What to expect from the Red Devils in the next Premier League season?

The management team

Without any doubt, Erik ten Hag is an excellent coach who has done a tremendous amount of work at Ajax in less than five years, which has mainly benefited the club’s coffers, which have been showered with money in recent years.

The sporting side of things was also thriving, with his charges even on course for the Champions League final, but just before the whistle blew the whole of the Netherlands suffered a shock and Tottenham were up against Liverpool in the final.

But that task of Hague at Old Trafford will not be easy, other famous coaches have failed. His task will be primarily to rein in Cristiano Ronaldo, whose mannerisms will break the team spirit. Just one single half has been enough and already the 52-year-old Haaksbergen native has had to explain more to the media than is healthy.

If the Hag can tame the swollen egos of the players, keep the trust of the management and the fans, success will surely come sooner or later. He certainly has the prerequisites!

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeping has long been one of the team’s strengths, with the 31-year-old David de Gea sure to keep his teammates at bay with great saves next season. With experience and the hope of significantly improving the team’s results, that is exactly what we hope to see next season.

If the Spanish goalkeeper doesn’t get injured, Manchester United have a solid foundation for success. In fact, Dean Henderson will be with newly promoted Nottingham Forest this season. Tom Heaton, however, will hopefully be able to show his qualities if needed.

Defence

In the defensive line we find the captain of the team and the biggest question mark for the new season. Harry Maguire has long been criticised for his performances and the arrival of Raphael Varane hasn’t helped either. Hopefully, the “butcher” Lisandro Martínez, whom the Hag brought from Ajax, will change everything.

Even Victor Lindelöf did not perform badly in pre-season, and it is this foursome that should be the main players in the upcoming season. Most likely, however, the first three mentioned stoppers will be fighting for the starting line-up.

It will be especially interesting to see the development of Maguire, who should be given priority, after all, he is the captain, but if he continues his previous performances, we will soon see him on the bench, probably at the expense of Martínez.

As for the flanks, the Hag will probably rely on Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia, whom he brought from Feyenoord. They will be backed up by Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. It is in these positions that further reinforcements can be expected in the future, although…

Backup

Following the departure of Paul Pogba, Manchester United are looking intensely for a similar player. The arrival of Frenkie de Jong is a very real possibility. Rúben Neves could be an alternative, but other names are also being speculated.

However, Fred is very capable at his position and could really excel alongside Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen or Donny van de Beek (if he starts). In the case of a 4-3-3 defensive formation, the option with Scott McTominay is on the table. However, the arrival of de Jong or someone else would change a lot.

Attack

The edges are clear. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been showing the world their strengths in pre-season. The partnership with Anthony Martial worked really well.

But Ronaldo is probably staying at Old Trafford and he should take the place at the top. However, together with two quick-twitch players and great technical midfielders, he can be the killer from previous years to dominate the scorers’ table once again.

However, the problem arises if one of the aforementioned fringe players gets injured, then the Hag doesn’t have a quality enough replacement. So the arrival of one player would definitely help.

A question mark hangs over Anthony Elanga, who performed very well last season, but in pre-season he wasn’t so good, but it’s too early for consistent performances. However, if he continues to perform as he did last season, it will change a lot. Maybe he’ll make the starting lineup soon. Then again, the other talented youngsters still need a lot of practice.

The ideal line-up

David de Gea

Dalot – Varane – Martínez (Maguire) – Malacia

Fernandes – Fred – Eriksen

Sancho – Ronaldo (Martial) – Rashford

But the key to everything is to create a team that pulls together and has motivation, because all of that was missing last season. There is quality in the team, both on the pitch and on the bench. Therefore, Manchester United can easily finish third, but it probably won’t be enough to beat Liverpool and Manchester City, but just as easily sixth and worse.

5th place

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