Manchester United: How the title race could look next season

Manchester United face tough competition for the title.

The 2019/20 season has been one to forget for the majority thus far, especially for us United fans. Liverpool coasting the league dropping points just twice as they look to win their first ever Premier League title, breaking the points record in the process. We however, have had one of our worst point tallies since the beginning of the Premier League era.

As well as this, we also have the small matter of a global pandemic that has held the season up for 3 months and has forced teams to play behind closed doors in order to restart the league. A very unconventional year to say the least.

With clubs already beginning to make new signings to bolster their squads, the Premier League table could look very different come next season.

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When he was brought in on a permanent basis, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed that he would take United to a title in the next 3 years. This coming season will be year two of his bold statement and with the right signings, he could well deliver. We have been a changed side since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January, which has proved the impact that one player can have on a side. One or two more signings of this calibre could result in a push for the title. Which is the least that us fans deserve after years away from the top.

A signing that is a must, if we are going to take our squad to the next level is Jadon Sancho. But you already knew that, the London born right-winger of Borussia Dortmund has been on everybody’s minds for months. Truth be told, the topic has become somewhat dry, the signing has become almost an expectation of most United fans. So lets just hope that Ed can deliver and bring the winger to the Theatre of Dreams.

Another necessary signing for United is a holding midfielder, Nemanja Matic simply doesn’t have the legs to last a full season and there is no depth to this position at the club. The ideal signing would be someone with quality and youth, Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi would be the ideal fit. But it would take some doing to convince Leicester to let go of their man. But if we do sign him, or someone of the same quality United could have a real shot at the title. With a creative midfield, a fluid and pacey attack and a solid defence the team could be in a very good place for the next few years.

Unfortunately, while we’re improving, so are the competition. The news has broken out this week that Chelsea will most likely be signing RB Leipzig talisman Timo Werner for a bargain fee of just £49 million due to his buyout clause. They also brought in Hakim Ziyech for just £35 million from Ajax another smart piece of business from the Blues. Chelsea already have a quality defensive setup, with only the left-back position needing some attention. They have one of the best midfields in the league, with World Cup winner N’golo Kante and deep-lying playmaker Mateo Kovacic. And with the addition of Werner alongside Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount, Chelsea have some serious options going forward.

The left-back issue could also be close to being solved as well, as Chelsea look to secure the services of Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell and if this deal falls through they are also looking at Ziyech’ former teammate Nicolas Tagliafico who has been exceptional for Ajax this season.

If these signings are secured, Chelsea could also be back in the running. With this being said, we still can’t rule out Champions elect Liverpool and recent Premier League conquerors Manchester City. Both bitter rivals and both have had an incredible past few years. Starting with the bitter of the two, Liverpool. Even without the signing of Timo Werner and the unlikelihood of them signing anyone else, Liverpool are still one of, if not the strongest team in the Premier League today. With a defence that have more goal involvements than goals conceded, a midfield with quality and leadership and arguably the best front three in World Football they are still very much a force to be reckoned with. Jurgen Klopp has done a remarkable job at Liverpool and nobody can possibly rule out back to back titles in Merseyside.

As for Manchester City, any Pep Guardiola team is likely to pose a threat, after back to back titles Pep’s team have somewhat crumbled this season. This has been due to defensive issues, many defensive injuries led to Fernandinho being played at centre-back out of position and youth players, who may not have been ready, seeing game time. Going forward City have been exceptional as usual, despite missing Leroy Sane through injury. With players returning from injury and a potential lack of UCL football next season Man City are still my prediction for the 2020/21 title.

I think that the title race will be a lot closer next season, and the top four will almost definitely consist of Liverpool, Chelsea, City and United. Four potential title winners, without even mentioning Arsenal, Spurs and Leicester. A crazy 2020/21 season could well be on the cards.  Let’s just hope that Ole can deliver our first title since 2013.

Can Manchester United win the title?