Why current league leaders United can be considered title favourites.
Manchester United have made a terrific start to the season and currently top the Premier League table, so here’s a look at five reasons the Red Devils can keep in command of top spot and go all the way under Louis van Gaal this term…
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Manchester United transfer gossip
1) David de Gea staying
One of the best deals Manchester United made all summer, David de Gea staying at the club despite interest from Real Madrid, and even signing a new contract at Old Trafford, will surely prove to be a huge boost for the Reds. The Spanish international was arguably United’s best player last season, and if he can make even more of those match-winning saves, the club have a big chance of winning the difficult games and going far.
2) Anthony Martial’s form up front
With four goals to his name already, Anthony Martial has defied the critics to look like an inspired signing by Manchester United. The young Frenchman looks a superb talent who has added pace and goals to the Red Devils’ attack, and he is exactly the calibre of player needed to go the distance in a Premier League title race.
3) Wayne Rooney will surely improve
After a terrible start to the season, there is plenty of focus on Wayne Rooney and whether or not he can still cut it at a big club like Manchester United. Still, having finally got off the mark in the league with a goal in the win over Sunderland, the England international must now be given a chance to regain his confidence and get back to his best, as he remains a world class performer when he does get into full flow. Given the career he’s had, one wouldn’t be surprised if he did bounce back after a slow start and help fire United to the title again.
4) Rivals are looking poor
This may reflect more badly on Manchester United’s rivals than on Manchester United themselves, but it’s crucial that the Reds take advantage of poor starts from some of their rivals. Chelsea look in crisis after only two wins and plenty of goals conceded, and it looks increasingly like Jose Mourinho is losing the dressing room. Liverpool have also been poor and may be close to sacking Brendan Rodgers. That leaves only Manchester City and Arsenal, with the latter sure to slip up at some point as they have done every year for the last decade or more, and after two defeats on the spin it’s clear that Manuel Pellegrini’s side is still lacking in certain areas as well. This represents a big opportunity for United as their rivals rebuild.
5) The LVG factor
Finally, it must not be underestimated how much it helps having a charismatic and confident manager like Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman has not always convinced everyone at Manchester United, but his plans seem to be coming together and he has done significantly better in this year’s transfer window than he did last time around. His bold tactics and willingness to try new things and think outside the box occasionally prove to be his weakness, but they could also give United that spark needed to go the distance.