Manchester United began their season with a 2-1 win over champions Leicester City at Wembley in the Community Shield, and it felt like the old United were back in many respects. A world star with the stature of Zlatan Ibrahimovic was donning the number nine shirt – a move only made possible by his close friend Jose Mourinho – and it took a late goal to win their first silverware under the Portuguese coach.
The side also attacked with vigour and pace, with Jesse Lingard’s wonderful solo effort a case in point. These are all aspects of United’s play that have been lost since Sir Alex Ferguson retired three years ago; David Moyes and then Louis van Gaal both fell short of what is expected by the club, but it looks as if they have found their perfect manager.
Moreover, their attempt to win a Premier League title for the first time since 2013 has caused them to seriously enter the transfer market this summer. The club acted early by signing Eric Bailly from Villarreal, Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund and Zlatan Ibrahimovic once his PSG contract had expired.
In terms of the Premier League, it must not be forgotten that Mourinho was a champion with Chelsea as recently as 2015 before an atrocious start to last season meant that he was sacked. He will have a tough time getting this current United squad from fifth to champions in one season, but will be expected to challenge for the titles and at least gain Champions League qualification for the club. Although, their Europa League campaign will mean that every member of the squad will have to be utilised as there will be little time between league and continental fixtures.
For the new season, Bookies.com have a wide selection of football betting odds for each match day. This includes the Red Devils’ opening fixture away to Bournemouth – a fixture they lost 2-1 last season – where Mourinho’s squad will be put to the test by Eddie Howe’s men. You can see Manchester United’s odds to win against Bournemouth, with the hosts at 15/4 to win on the opening weekend.
Another obstacle for United will be their major title rivals. Manchester City have hired Mourinho’s great nemesis Pep Guardiola – another big spender – in what will be a tantalising battle. Chelsea have named Antonio Conte as their new coach, and will be a force to be reckoned with after improving the spine of the team.
Leicester City are unlikely to be as strong as last term, mainly due to their Champions League commitments during the week, meaning less recovery time for their players. Moreover, one key component from their title-winning side, N’Golo Kante, has departed for Chelsea – though they have invested in the depth of their playing staff considerably.
Mourinho’s United are looking as strong as they have been in years, especially now Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has completed his world record £89m return to Old Trafford this week.
All these variables are looking like creating one of the most intriguing and entertaining seasons in living memory.
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