Manchester United made big signings in the summer transfer window, and it has put Jose Mourinho’s men firmly in contention for the Premier League title.
It’s been a difficult three years or so for United fans as the club has ultimately fallen short of expectations, leading to both David Moyes and Louis van Gaal leaving Old Trafford.
The first major move made by the Red Devils hierarchy this summer was appointing Jose Mourinho, and the arrival of the Portuguese tactician has been followed by world-class talent coming through the entrance door.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already made his mark, scoring the winning goal in the Community Shield encounter with Leicester City, before bagging three goals in as many games for United in the Premier League.
While his doubters would have questioned his ability to have such an influential role at 34 and in the toughest league in Europe, he has wasted little time in providing his response and it’s been emphatic to this point.
Elsewhere, Eric Bailly has looked an inspired signing and has also dismissed any doubts that some may have had following his big-money arrival from Villarreal.
The 22-year-old has arguably been United’s best player through the first three games, delivering commanding and mature performances next to Daley Blind in the heart of the defence and he will turn out to be an important addition for years to come.
Naturally, given the £89m price-tag that he arrived with, as noted by Sky Sports, Paul Pogba has stolen plenty of headlines and has settled in well thus far.
It’ll take time for the French international to display his full range of abilities, but he’s already added a classy feel to United’s midfield in the two games that he’s played in. While he might not be playing in his preferred role which would see him have an even bigger influence, he’s another quality addition.
It remains to be seen how Henrikh Mkhitaryan gets on in Manchester though, as despite his impressive stats from his time at Borussia Dortmund, he has yet to start for Mourinho and will have to try and displace the likes of Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in the weeks to come.
Given his quality though, it’s unlikely to take too long before he forces his way into the starting line-up and makes his mark.
United needed some flair, quality and experience to freshen things up this season. Mourinho has ticked those boxes, and he now has a new spine of his team that could lead them to great success this year.
Adnan Januzaj heads up a long list of youngsters either sold or sent out on loan, as Mourinho has made his intentions clear with a big push to end United’s wait for another Premier League title and more this season.
Manchester United: A
Transfers in: Paul Pogba – Juventus, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly – Villarreal, Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Borussia Dortmund.
Transfers out: Paddy McNair – Sunderland, Donald Love – Sunderland, Will Keane – Hull City, Guillermo Varela – Eintracht Frankfurt (loan), James Wilson – Derby County (loan), Adnan Januzaj – Sunderland (loan), Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – Wolves (loan), Nick Powell – Wigan Athletic (free), Víctor Valdés – Middlesbrough (free), James Weir – Hull City.