It has almost been an entire decade since Manchester United, led by the great Sir Alex Ferguson, have won the Premier League. The glory days of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Wayne Rooney have far been over. The last few years have been rather unsuccessful, although winning the Europa League in 2017, which was their first major European cup since the departure of Sir Alex, gave hope to the United supporters who desperately needed it. However, these club supporters used to celebrate major European titles, domestic championships, and international prestige. Now, they celebrate nothing but a few mediocre signings and mid-table finishes in most major competitions.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Things may be on the rise for United. The past Premier League season offered a glimmer of hope, as some football fans recognized glimpses of world-class level of play demonstrated by the team. The addition of Bruno Fernandes, combined with the talent of Marcus Rashford and co, helped the team to a second place finish in the Prem this year. This means the club qualifies to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. Being able to compete with the best of the best means United are back at it again, competing with the top clubs of the world. Although a remarkable achievement, this is the place that United should be at. Let’s hope they don’t fall back into Europa League level football after next season.
United Should Only Get Better From Now On – Right?
The last decade has seen Manchester United hit a valley of lows. For a while, it seemed that every star signing they made would be a flop for the Red Devils. The failure of Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez, and Romelu Lukaku to meet their star potential at United raised eyebrows for some fans. These were supposed to be game-changers for the club, and they have all found new homes at other major international clubs after their dry-spell in Manchester. Even players who remain on the roster, such as Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, did not meet the star and trophy-studded expectations their fans had for them. United was becoming a place where careers go to die, but things may have changed with the signing of Bruno Fernandes.
This missing piece of the puzzle carried United to a second place berth in the Premier League this past season, and secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next. The Portuguese midfielder seemed to connect the talented dots in Manchester, and things look bright. Players around him, such as Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba, began playing and performing at top quality. The year ended strong for United, and looks even stronger in the future.
Summer 2021 Signings
One of the biggest signings this summer, confirmed by international football journalist Fabrizio Romano, is Jadon Sancho to Manchester United. The English youngster has played world-class football at Borussia Dortmund, playing alongside star striker Erling Haaland. The youngster is a class act of talent and skill, and proves ever so hopeful to be one of the best attackers in football. This summer, he joins United and bolsters their attacking power. His addition to an already intimidating United attack gives hope to supporters; maybe they can compete with the best clubs in Europe after all.
Everyone knows defense wins championships though, and the addition of a world class defender would give United that much more power next season. This is what they hope to do, and it is rumored that they may be able to snag Real Madrid and France national center-back Raphael Varane. Although only a rumor at this point, the addition of Varane seems likely. His insertion into that United backline alongside a successful Euro 2020 Harry Maguire would make United scary. They would finally have strong pieces in every component of the field, from defense to offense.
An End to the False Promises?
With the new signings and recent improvement in play style and quality, Manchester United may have a shot at the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all in one. A treble for United would be a surefire way to tell the world, “We’re back.” The club has made star signings and exciting moves in the past, to no avail. Things are definitely looking bright for the future of the Red Devils, let’s hope they don’t disappoint.
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