Manchester United face a tough opening to the 2019/20 Premier League season as they bid to put the misery of the last campaign firmly behind them.
United will begin the new season by hosting Chelsea at Old Trafford on August 11, before travelling to face Wolverhampton Wanders at Molineux the following weekend.
The Red Devils finished in sixth place last time around, 32 points behind local rivals Manchester City who won the title for a second successive year.
The fixture list during the rest of August has been relatively kind to United, handing them games against Crystal Palace (H) and Southampton (A).
A good start to the season will be imperative as United strive to close the gap on City and Liverpool from last season. City are already favourites to win their third title in a row, however, according to the football betting websites it is still too early to determine since the league didn’t start yet.
It is certainly a nerve-wracking time for United fans as Solskjaer begins to reshape his squad and leads the club into a new era.
The Norwegian has already set about his task, securing the services of winger Daniel James from Swansea City for £15 million.
James was excellent in the Championship last season, scoring five goals and providing ten assists, and he is type of player who will excite the fans.
Solskjaer’s main priority this summer is in defence, with the manager eager to see an improvement in the goals conceded column next term.
United shipped 54 goals in the Premier League last season and that is a tally that must be slashed if the team are mount a title challenge.
Ajax star Matthjis has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford, but they face stiff competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
One defender who could be heading to United is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with Crystal Palace believed to be ready to sanction a £50 million transfer.
Further forward, Ivan Rakitic, Adrien Rabiot and Bruno Fernandes are amongst a plethora of midfielders tipped to join United this summer.
Of that trio, Fernandes is the one who would cost the most after enjoying a stunning campaign for club and country in 2018/19.
Fernandes bagged 32 goals in 53 matches for Sporting Lisbon last term, smashing Frank Lampard’s record for most goals scored in a single season by a midfielder.
With Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba expected to be amongst a raft of outgoings this summer, United are likely to have a much-changed line-up for their opening match against Chelsea.
While a title challenge may prove beyond them next season, a place in the top four is certainly achievable and looks an outstanding bet at Evens.
