You cannot get carried away with an excellent pre-season, but you can only judge by the evidence at hand. And this summer, it's looking more promising than was hoped just a couple of months ago. In his first season at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal also went onto a six-match winning streak in the pre-season. This also included a win against mighty Real Madrid. Everyone thought that the David Moyes reign was just a one-off. Optimism soared by the arrivals of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao. United then went on to finish 17 points behind winners Chelsea in fourth.
Fast forward to this season, If United can continue the fast, pressing, energetic and attacking football which Solskjaer and his coaches want, we may be in for a treat. He also expects his players to play how a Manchester United player should play. To be tougher mentally, use the flanks well, be assertive in front of goal and be more aware of who they are, and what they are playing for. They want confident and assured leaders. Although Solskjaer has a huge task at his hands, he is surely making some strides towards that goal.
A young squad with some raw talent!
Here are the top five reasons why Manchester United fans should feel optimistic ahead of the new season:
A promising bunch of young talent: United always had the luxury of having some bright talent graduating from their academy. And Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Scott McTominay are some of the names from the list this year. While the latter has already proved his mettle in the limited game time opportunities that he got during the whole of last year. Mason Greenwood is one such player to look out for the United fans. Averaging almost a goal in every game, he looks set to be a part of Solskjaer's team this season. His composure in front of goal is rarely seen at such a young age. But will he be able to perform in the Premier League?
Man Utd fans after the signings of di Maria and Falcao
A big change in the transfer policy: Since the end of Sir Alex's reign, United only focused on some marquee signings. Ones who came with a big reputation but with an undetermined role in the team. They certainly sold shirts, but their contribution to the team was a big question mark. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Radamel Falcao, Angel di Maria and most recently Alexis Sanchez are some examples. But by the looks of it, the United hierarchy along with Solskjaer have shifted their focus to some unknown faces, with immense talent who could serve the club for several years to come. The club is certainly heading in the right direction with their signings.
Three outstanding signings: A lot has been said and written about the lack of transfer activity from Ed Woodward and company. But they have got their hands on the likes of Daniel James, Aaron wan Bissaka And Harry Maguire. Daniel James has made his presence felt in the middle of the park during the pre-season encounters, which saw him earn a number of MOTM awards. Wan Bissaka is just 19 but is among one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. His speed on counters is a thing to behold. Harry Maguire is one of the best central defenders in the country at this time. They have certainly improved on their defensive backline.
Developing a team for the future using the UEFA Europa League: Besides the four that have been already mentioned above, there is a pool of players at Old Trafford that requires game time. And UEFA Europa League could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the future of James Garner, Diogo Dalot, Axel Tuanzebe, and Timothy Fosu-Mensah. Fans will be hoping that these players perform well and oust some of the current under-performers from the first-team picture.
The squad of 1958
Manchester United never give up: In February of 1958, the entire United squad boarded a flight from Munich, which crashed after its third attempt at take-off. Eight of the players died in the incident and two were injured, never to play again. From this incident emerged a set of newer brand players like George Best and Bobby Charlton who went on to lift the European Cup just a decade later. In 1999, the game was coming to an end with United trailing 0-1 against Bayern Munich in the UCL final. United won a corner and the rest is history, with Sheringham equalising first before Solskjaer scoring the winner. Manchester United just don't give up, you cannot write them off just yet!
