Manchester United not Title Contenders yet
By Chris Jones
"Manchester United have been one of the most talked about teams in Europe when it comes to transfer rumors and transactions."
Whether it be the unending Sergio Ramos and David De Gea rumors with Real Madrid, the Thomas Muller link reports, or the Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin signing coup, the Red Devils have been in the news.
With all the transfer news have come high expectations around Old Trafford, but are they really back to the level of competing for a Premier League championship after having those hopes dormant for two seasons?
No. Not yet.
Despite their lavish spending on Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, and winger Memphis Depay, Louis Van Gaal has yet to tackle their weakest spots. In order to become true title contenders, they must shore up their defenses.
In a hunt for a Premier League title, your team’s defense can not rely on the likes of Tyler Blackett, Chris Smalling, and the so far disappointing Luke Shaw. Manchester United let in 37 goals during the 2014-2015 Premier League campaign, and 44 in all competition.
A large reason that they did not concede more was the brilliance of goalkeeper David De Gea, who made 111 saves in 43 appearances across all competitions, and finished the season with 11 clean sheets.
He was forced to make the third most saves from a goalkeeper whose team was in the top half of the Premier League table.
Manchester United cannot rely on De Gea having another sensational season. They need to show up their defenders to relieve some of the pressure that has been thrust upon the goalkeeper.
Rumors have been swirling around for months surrounding a potential move for star Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, as well as Valencia’s Argentinian Nicolas Otamendi.
These defenders will have to come at a premium price, with clubs knowing that United are desperately searching for someone to shore up their defense. Despite this, it is a must for the Red Devils if they want to contend for a title this season.
The likes of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin will go a long way towards bolstering the midfield, but the back four still needs work.
Manchester United would also benefit greatly from a player to put up front, with Falcao departing to Chelsea and Angel Di Maria rumored to be leaving for PSG.
The Red Devils were linked for a few days with former Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, but the Belgian is now with Liverpool.
As it stands, United would have to rely on Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini. Rooney has proved time and time again that he can score goals, but he will need help. They need a striker who can play centrally and can score consistently.
There have been many plaudits of Manchester United’s signings this summer, and rightfully so. They have succeeded in getting players that benefit their team without having to overpay, something that has been tough to do for Premier League teams.
While it has been a successful transfer window so far for Van Gaal and his team, their business is not yet done.
If it is, then that may cost them a chance at the Premier League title.