Denis Irwin: Manchester United squad is far more balanced
According to Mirror Football, Denis Irwin explained his reasons on why Manchester United have improved so much under Jose Mourinho.
The former Manchester United full-back has praised the positive change Mourinho has made to Old Trafford and believes the team has gotten better over the past 13 months. Irwin was a part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side during the 90s and made over 300 appearance for the club in a hugely successful time.
Speaking on the team he said, “The spirit is great and there’s a hunger about the manager and the group to improve on last season. I’ve watched training which has been really quick and intense. And having watched the last few weeks unfold, I think the club are better prepared for the standard of the Premier League as during any time in last few seasons since Sir Alex left.”
“Everyone knew it would be difficult after so many years of stability, but now Jose Mourinho is getting there. Look at the buys he made last summer which were all excellent. And if you add in the players he has recruited this time in Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof, then I think United have improved hugely in the last 13 months.” Irwin stated.
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He continued, “United have to start strongly, you just can’t play catch-up any more. There are no guarantees anymore, you have to earn the right to win games now. But starting fast and strong is vital if you want to build momentum.”.
“These days you need a mixture of physicality, pace, youth, experience and cleverness – and United have all of that. The balance of the squad is so much better and with Jose pulling the strings there’s no reason for United to fear anyone in the Premier League or Champions League.” Irwin claimed.
With Manchester United’s first real test coming up on Tuesday against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final, it’ll be clear whether there’s any truth to Irwin’s claims. Of course if there’s anyone who knows anything about winning then it is Denis who secured the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Old Trafford.
Of Mourinho’s signings since his arrival at the club, only Bailly is expected to miss the game (due to suspension) with the likes of Pogba, Lukaku and Matic walking into the Red Devil’s starting XI. The Portuguese manager has invested heavily in United’s spine over the two summer transfer windows with centre-backs, midfielders and strikers being the priority.
However, Jose has made it clear he hopes to secure one more signing before the transfer window slams shut and is aiming for a wingers signature. Ivan Perisic has been the player reported chased all summer long but a deal looks increasingly unlikely with the Inter Milan man apparently close to secure a contract renewal.
If that does happen then it wouldn’t be the first time a player uses Manchester United’s interest in them as leverage for a pay raise. Players have previously used ridiculous rumours to do so even when the club’s interest isn’t genuine as the media world continues to link any footballer with a move to Old Trafford.
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However, Mourinho and Irwin are both pleased with the Red Devil’s signings and time will tell whether the team are any better off with these new players. Early suggestions are that the team has improved but Jose and his men will have to prove themselves once more this season as competition for the Premier League title heats up.