Playing for 90
Fansided

Manchester United: 5 burning questions heading into the 2016-17 season

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Paul Pogba of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Aon Training Complex on August 8, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Paul Pogba of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Aon Training Complex on August 8, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Odion Ighalo of Watford challenges Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Watford at Old Trafford on March 2, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Odion Ighalo of Watford challenges Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Watford at Old Trafford on March 2, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

4. Can Morgan Schneiderlin bounce back?

Prior to the Pogba purchase, United looked awfully weak in the defensive midfield. Even after the addition of the world-class Frenchman, there still are questions about who will serve as his partner in the double-pivot.

Unless you are optimistic about a Marouane Fellaini career resurgence, it seems pretty obvious that Schneiderlin will have to become that partner. He had a very uneven time at Old Trafford under van Gaal, and will be looking to rediscover his form under Mourinho.

If he can go back to being the sort of player he was for Southampton, he’ll make the lives of United’s back four much easier. Perhaps even more importantly, he’ll give Pogba the freedom and license to contribute heavily to the club’s attack.

Alternatively, if Schneiderlin continues to struggle, it’s going to make Pogba’s life much more difficult. If he has to stay behind and cover up his countryman’s mistakes, many are going to see that as a huge waste of his prodigious talent. Morgan Schneiderlin must elevate his game if United are going to be a real factor in the Premier League title race.

Next: Can Mourinho get along with the squad?

Home/Manchester United