No other manager in the Premier League has faced a more critical summer than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
The Norwegian knew he couldn’t afford to make a single misstep in his desperate attempt to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool.
He set out with the intention of overhauling his squad – and even though there have been fewer ins (as well as outs) than expected, he has made his presence felt at Old Trafford.
These are early days, but pre-season signs have been encouraging.
United appear to have a more distinctive shape, more in-keeping with their attacking traditions, with Solskjaer implementing a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The additions of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in defence will actually provide a new attacking dimension, with both players comfortable playing out from the back.
Daniel James, meanwhile, will add more pace to a forward line that already includes the rapid Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
The big question is whether United can find the goals that will be lost by Romelu Lukaku’s departure.
And if Paul Pogba – assuming he stays beyond the Spanish and Italian deadlines – can be Solskjaer’s talisman in midfield.
David De Gea
Set to end the uncertainty over his future by signing a six-year deal, the Spain international should regain his form behind a new-look defence after a shaky end to last season. He should benefit from finally having a settled centre-back pairing in front of him after so many seasons of flux at United.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
His pace will add a new dimension to United’s attack and give them much-needed width on the right. Still raw and his positioning could see him caught out if he insists on bursting forward – but has the speed to get himself out of trouble. An exciting addition.
Victor Lindelof
Many United fans had the Swede down as player of the season last year as one of the few at the club to emerge with any credit.
In the midst of a crisis at Old Trafford, Lindelof appeared to find his feet. A ball-playing centre-back of real quality – and now has a similar figure alongside him in Maguire.
Harry Maguire
Solskjaer’s top target this summer – the United manager always favoured a move for Maguire over even Kalidou Koulibaly and Matthijs de Ligt.
Accomplished with the ball at his feet, commanding in the air, and a natural leader, he should finally provide United with the authority at the back they’ve lacked since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Luke Shaw
Voted United’s Player of the Year last season, he needs to kick on again. Should also benefit from Maguire’s arrival and along with Wan-Bissaka, United now have a major threat in both full-back positions. A big season for him after losing his England place.
Scott McTominay
One of the big plusses from pre-season, he looks ready to truly establish himself in midfield. If Pogba remains, Solskjaer has a powerful base to his midfield, which is full of energy, physical presence and creativity.
With or without Pogba, McTominay could be one of the surprise packages of the season.
Paul Pogba
The uncertainty over Lukaku has somewhat overshadowed Pogba, who was expected to be at the centre of the transfer saga of the summer. United have never wanted to sell – and a £150m-plus price tag was expected to scare off any suitors.
Solskjaer wants to build his team around the Frenchman, who should benefit from a more mobile midfield around him this season.
Daniel James
He was signed as one for the future – and in an ideal world Solskjaer would have recruited a more established forward as well as the Wales international to bolster his attack.
But the lack of an obvious right-sided attacker should present James with plenty of opportunities to make an impression – and his rapid speed will terrify defenders.
Jesse Lingard
He is absolutely pivotal to Solskjaer’s system, playing at the point of midfield and expected to hound defenders out of possession and into mistakes. Needs a steep improvement on last season – but has speed, energy and goals in him.
Another who needs a big season if United are to challenge.
Marcus Rashford
There’s a lot of pressure on him to prove he can be a 20-goal-a-season forward. He’s tried to distance himself from the No9 role this summer – and Solskjaer looks likely to deploy him on the left, due to his greater work-rate than Martial.
Still, he is expected to significantly improve his goal output, even playing from a wide position.
Anthony Martial
The France international is finally set to be given the role he has long craved at United – playing through the middle at the point of Solskjaer’s attack. Generally considered the most clinical finisher at the club, Martial is another Solskjaer is banking on scoring at least 20 goals this season.
With the Euros ahead next summer, this is his chance to finally live up to his lofty reputation and lead the line for club and country.
