Manchester United: Grading the season so far

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United celebrates after he scores his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between CSKA Moskva and Manchester United at WEB Arena on September 27, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United celebrates after he scores his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between CSKA Moskva and Manchester United at WEB Arena on September 27, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Since losing to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, Manchester United are unbeaten in all competitions. Jose Mourinho has Manchester United playing on a level currently that neither of his predecessors ever managed to come close to — there’s no debating that.

United have rattled off 10 consecutive wins across all competitions — no small feat. In the Premier League they are atop the table with Manchester City, with both teams taking 19 of a possible 21 points.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Antonio Valencia of Manchester United (obscure) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his Manchester United team mates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on September 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Antonio Valencia of Manchester United (obscure) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his Manchester United team mates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on September 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The Red Devils have a goal difference of 19, scoring 21 and conceding twice, just one off of their neighbors.

This is the Manchester United that has been missing at Old Trafford. This is the team that the fans have been craving for since the Red Devils last lifted the Premier League title in 2013.

There are many new faces — Ed Woodward hasn’t been afraid to splash the cash, and Jose Mourinho hasn’t been shy about publicizing his transfer demands.

Romelu Lukaku has been the prolific goalscorer we’ve been missing since Robin van Persie netted 26 times in the League back in the 2012/13 title-winning season.

Nemanja Matic is looking like one of the signings of the season at Old Trafford as he continues to dominate the midfield game in and game out.

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Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford’s fierce competition for a starting place in the match-day XI has both players finding new levels. Martial appears to be happy again amidst the competition — a welcoming sight from last season’s constant solemn expressions and frowns.

The Special One is living up to his name in his second season at the helm. Last season there were plenty of growing pains as the players tried to adapt to the Portuguese manager. However, players like Phil Jones and Ashley Young among others have seemingly found new life under Mourinho.

Manchester United are dominant right now. And the scary thing is, they will only get better.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues his speedy recovery from knee ligament surgery, and Paul Pogba’s injury may have been worse than initially thought, but he too will soon return to the side, as the 24-year old posted his very intense recover routine to Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZzJg1vHHER/?taken-by=paulpogba

Zlatan’s role may be limited this season, but Pogba was looking worth every penny spent to bring him to Old Trafford last summer before his injury. And hopefully the Frenchman can continue that form when he returns.

United head into the international break with a sense of optimism that  hasn’t been associated with the club in years. Manchester United once again strike fear into opponents when they see them on the schedule.

Manger Grade: A

Team grade: A+

Next: Manchester United: Who is in form for the Red Devils?

United couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the season. And with the lone loss to Real Madrid as the only blemish on the season so far, I don’t think any of the Old Trafford faithful can find room to complain. United are playing its best since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and it doesn’t look like they will be slowing down anytime soon.