Now that Manchester United’s rocky Premier League 2020/21 campaign has come to an end, fans will be looking back at one of the most intriguing seasons for their team. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reduced the gap at the top of the league and ensured Champions League qualification with much more ease than last season.
EPL fans will be watching the next season with a lot of expectation from the team and from Betway betting site to provide us with a remarkable betting experience throughout. Here are five things we learnt from the remarkable season:
5. Squad depth is needed
Solskjaer was exposed when he rotated his team for Leicester’s visit earlier in May. The performance was far from convincing as the Foxes ran Ole’s team rugged to emerge 3-1 winners.
There aren’t enough alternatives on the bench for Solskjaer to make a game-changing difference, and there’s still a significant drop-off when Bruno Fernandes isn’t on the field.
4. Midfield needs bolstering
Of course, it’s been said that United require a new right winger and a centre forward. Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani have filled those roles for United many times, but the latter is not getting younger despite his successful debut season.
United, on the other hand, require a significant boost in the middle. They are over relying on Bruno Fernandes to deliver and something needs to change.
Paul Pogba’s best position remains unknown, and his future is, of course, uncertain.
3. There are still far too many easy goals conceded
United conceded soft goals in both the Istanbul and Sheffield United games. These are goals that any top team should not concede. These weren’t the only occasions that a lack of defensive organization was to blame.
Even with Maguire’s imposing presence on the backline, United still struggles to defend set pieces.
2. United continues to defend too deep
One concern with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s core defensive duo is their lack of speed. Eric Bailly is an alternative, but his decision making is questionable, and his passing is erratic, never mind he struggles with fitness.
Attempts to push the opponents and make the pitch as narrow as possible are hampered as a result.
1. There are improvements at United
There have been positive steps forward, building on the momentum that was created during the season restart in 2020.
Luke Shaw has been terrific, as previously. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is improving, while Dean Henderson has proved he has the potential to be Manchester United’s long-term goalkeeper. Bruno Fernandes has had an outstanding season, and despite playing through discomfort, Marcus Rashford has remained important.
McTominay has improved his goal threat and appears to be a better all-around midfielder, Greenwood is young, and learning from a more experienced Cavani who has been prolific towards the end of the season.
There’s reason to be positive, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to narrow the gap.
Manchester City wrapped up the title, but other sides will look to improve. Chelsea are performing well under Tuchel, and Liverpool should be welcoming back their injured players.
