Manchester United 2021-22 Premier League Preview

The 2021/22 Premier League season stands to be Manchester United’s best chance to challenge for a Premier League trophy in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era since 2013. The Red Devils have continued to improve in every season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and finished 2nd in the last Premier League campaign behind arch-rivals Manchester City. However, after some significant investment in the transfer market, the expectations have risen around Old Trafford, and the Norwegian is now under pressure to deliver a trophy to legitimize his progress.

Transfers

Manchester United have strengthened significantly in the transfer window and elevated the quality of their starting XI with the additions of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. After failing to sign Sancho in 2020, United finally agreed on a €90 million fee with Borussia Dortmund this summer to add the Englishman to their core of exciting young homegrown talent.

Furthermore, United also secured the services of World Cup winner Raphael Varane from Real Madrid for €50 million, which adds plenty of experience and depth to the Manchester United backline.

Player to watch out for: Mason Greenwood

Ever since making his Premier League debut for Manchester United as a 17-year-old, Mason Greenwood has been billed as the next big thing at Old Trafford. The Englishman has already scored 17 league goals in 34 starts for the Red Devils, and with Marcus Rashford sidelined for the foreseeable future, Greenwood will play an integral part in the start of Manchester United’s campaign.

Possible starting XI

Choosing between Dean Henderson and David de Gea is one of the major selection decisions for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of the start of the season, and the reports coming out of Old Trafford suggest the young Englishman will get the nod.

At centre-back, Raphael Varane replaces Victor Lindelof to partner Harry Maguire while Aaron Wan Bissaka and Luke Shaw occupy the two full-back slots.

In central midfield, Scott McTominay has emerged as a key part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s system, and the Scotsman will accompany Paul Pogba who is entering the final year of his contract. Bruno Fernandes picks himself in attacking midfield, and with Marcus Rashford sidelines for 12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, Jadon Sancho is likely to move over to the left-wing with youngster Mason Greenwood starting from the right.

Edinson Cavani has been given an extended break following his involvement in the Copa America with Uruguay, allowing Antony Martial to start up front for United after his return from injury.

Dean Henderson; Wan Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba, Sancho, Fernandes, Greenwood, Martial