Manchester United: Five More Predictions

Picking up where we left off with the earlier predictions, here are five more predictions for Manchester United this season:

6. David De Gea rumors will continue to swirl

Multiple times this summer there were rumors that the Spaniard was looking to make a move. The reasons for De Gea to go back to his home country and suit up for Los Blancos have been well documented–and if Real Madrid struggles in any way to start out with (or just Keylor Navas specifically), those voices will continue to get louder.

However, I cannot see him leaving this season. While I think he returns to Madrid, I don’t think he does this year.

7. United lines up in a 4-3-3 consistently

Last year it seemed like it was anyone’s guess how United would line up. The most common formations were the 4-2-3-1 and the 4-3-3 but now I think the latter will be more prominently featured.

The latter will likely be featured in almost every Premier League game. I see a front line of Marcus Rashford-Romelu Lukaku-Henrikh Mkhitaryan, followed by Nemanja Matic-Paul Pogba-Ander Herrera (with Pogba free to roam around the midfield while the other two hold down the middle).

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The former formation would likely be more for FA Cup and other similar competitions. Lukaku or Rashford up top with a second three of Anthony Martial (if he stays)/Jesse Lingard-Juan Mata-Mkhitaryan/Lingard.

8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores 15 goals and adds 15 assists

This is a big prediction for a guy who struggled last season. While I expressed my disappointment at his performance from last season I think he’ll rebound this year. After being the Player of the Year in Germany two years ago the talent is certainly there.

Last year Mkhitaryan suffered from a knock early on but later got it into gear, especially in the Europa League. But this year I think he steps it up in the Premier League.

9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic comes back

When Zlatan gets done with his rehab in January, he will be itching to get back on the pitch. With MLS not starting until March, he will be looking for work. Why not bring him back to make some more highlights for United in games outside the Premier League before presumably shipping him off to the LA Galaxy?

It would be pretty close to what United did with Bastain Schweinsteiger last season. But apparently Ibra is open to a United return, though so is AC Milan.

10. United finishes top four in the Premier League

In the four years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, United has only cracked the top four once. They get back there this season, and anything less would be inexcusable with the talent they have.

While United is much improved again, their chemistry is still going to take a little time to get there so I don’t foresee United winning the league. Paul Pogba took a little while to settle in before hitting his stride last year and I would expect a similar adjustment period for the new guys.

But looking at the Premier League, the top six teams of United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all look capable of winning the league under the right circumstances. It will be tough to crack the top four, but with the talent United has assembled there is no reason for them not to.

Next: United should stay away from Danny Rose

Unlike the last two years I expect a close race this season. Even though United will finish top four I still think they’re a year away from winning the title.