The deadly coronavirus has struck the world with football being no exception. With several players contracting the deadly virus, most football leagues have either been stalled or called off across the globe. The Premier League is one such league and it remains to be seen if it resumes next month.
The pandemic struck at the worst possible time for Manchester United as they were winning the games, keeping clean sheets and performing consistently. The Red Devils, who are currently just a place and three points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, will be hoping to grab a top-four finish if and when the season resumes.
Here are the reasons why Manchester United could finish in the top four this season:
#1 The Bruno Fernandes factorÂ
Bruno Fernandes has been a great addition to the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer-managed outfit. The midfielder has shown his array of skills and many believe that there is much more to come in the coming years from the Portuguese.
Manchester United haven’t lost a single match since Fernandes joined the Premier League giants from Sporting Lisbon in late January. The 25-year-old, who has considerably strengthened Manchester United’s midfield, has already scored twice and provided three assists in five Premier League appearances. Fernandes already seems settled with his new team and is expected to steer Manchester United into the top four.
#2 Rock-solid defence
Manchester United signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City for a hefty fee last summer but the England international initially struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.
However, Maguire and Victor Lindelof have managed to silence their critics with their recent performances, with the Red Devils conceding just once in their last five Premier League outings.
The right-back position was also a problematic area for Manchester United. The ageing Antonio Valencia was made a makeshift right-back which had its own set of issues.
However, the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace last summer has considerably sorted the issue. The youngster fared well against the likes of Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling when Manchester United came up against Liverpool and Manchester City respectively this season.
#3 Return of Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford
Paul Pogba’s absence in midfield has been heavily felt by Manchester United, with the Frenchman missing the majority of the season, owing to injuries. Moreover, reports of Real Madrid and Juventus tracking him have made his life more difficult at Old Trafford.
However, with the addition of Bruno Fernandes, Pogba, who was instrumental in France’s World Cup-winning run, could form a devastating partnership with the Portuguese in the middle of the park.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer approved Romelu Lukaku’s move to Inter Milan last summer, many believed that the absence of a proper striker will come back to haunt Manchester United.
However, Marcus Rashford has been in great form in front of goal in the present campaign. But unfortunately, the England international suffered a serious back injury in an FA Cup game against Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.
However, as Rashford is expected to return to action once the season resumes, Manchester United should be optimistic about their top-four chances. The 22-year-old has scored 14 goals in 22 Premier League games this season.Â
Follow us on facebook for more sports news & updates