There is genuine excitement around Old Trafford this season that the Premier League title could be coming home. After last season’s gradual progress under José Mourinho, which included that fantastic Europa Cup win, many fans expect a real title shot this time. So far, that is exactly how it is panning out! With five wins out of six and plenty of goals flying in, it seems like the hope of a Premier League title victory is not misplaced.
United’s great start
There are two main reasons behind this season’s near-perfect start. First is the influence of Mourinho in the way he has set up the team and the players brought in over the summer to strengthen the squad. United have found a balance within the team in terms of personnel and style of play that suits the players well and works brilliantly.
Secondly, the summer transfer window was a big one for United, and the capture of Romelu Lukaku looks a master stroke so far. Big Rom is scoring for fun and already looks capable of becoming an Old Trafford legend. His goals are one of the main factors behind the team’s great start to the campaign and other signings, such as Nemanja Matić, have also proven successful in building a squad of real quality.
Who will be our main challengers?
Manchester City
Gunning for the title alongside United will be a few other teams that really fancy their chances this season. Chief among them are local rivals Manchester City, who have started equally well under Pep Guardiola. It seems that he has found his feet in the City dugout after settling in last season, and they are currently playing some great football. Like Lukaku, their star man, Sergio Agüero, has been banging in goals for fun and will surely be competing again for this season’s golden boot. With the strength and experience within their squad, lead by the genius mind of Guardiola, they are undoubtedly serious rivals for us.
Chelsea
Many people would expect Chelsea to be challenging for the title again after last season’s brilliant campaign, and it would be foolish to disagree. However, although they will no doubt be ones to watch, it seems a slightly different Chelsea this time around. Turmoil over the summer around Diego Costa and manager Antonio Conte has disrupted them, and selling Matić to us may prove a costly mistake. New striker Álvaro Morata has started the season well and they will need him firing on all cylinders throughout the season to be in the title race.
Tottenham
Next on the list would be Tottenham, who have done great things under Mauricio Pochettino for the last few seasons and almost nicked the title last year. This season may be a different story though as they have not started particularly well and seem to have issues with playing their home games at Wembley. With world-class players such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli in their squad, they have the quality to change that though, and they should have a decent season again. Although they will probably be in the mix for the title, their record of not having won anything for a while counts against them.
Liverpool
The last serious rivals for the title are Liverpool. Under Jürgen Klopp, they have found a new belief and cavalier style of play that brings plenty of goals and entertainment. However, much like Chelsea, they had an unsettled summer with doubts still remaining over key player Phillipe Coutinho. He is so important to them that a title challenge rests on their ability to hold onto him. Keeping Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah fit and in form are also vital to their chances.
Who are the bookies’ favourites?
Although you can make your own opinions on who United’s main rivals are, the bookies are always a reliable source. Have a look on some of the best betting sites UK fans visit to find out the odds being offered for winning the Premier League. At the moment, their opinion seems to be the same as ours in that it will be either United or City who will have their name engraved on the trophy come the end of the season.
Can United do it?
The Premier League trophy has been away from Old Trafford for too long now, and the fans can’t wait to taste victory again. With his tactical mind and the players at his disposal, it would seem Mourinho has every chance of giving us just what we want. Of course, the teams we have looked at may have something to say about that when May draws in!
