As the Premier League passes the mid-mark, title chances are becoming clearer by the day. With the Blues retaining the top position and a total of 53 points, recent speculation is that they are the obvious winners. However, the Red Devils have made a grand comeback, compared to last season, and we can see a bit of their former glory back in Sir Alex Ferguson’s days, one of the ten greatest English club managers in Sportingbet’s list.
Manchester United are in close pursuit of the Blues with a total of 46 points, and they hope to win the title after their last time in 2013. This season has been a dramatic turnaround for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ranks since last year. This time last year, they were a whopping 33 points behind champions Liverpool. As the matches progress, the public receives increasingly stunning performances from the Red Devils, and we have singled out three players who seem to have contributed majorly to their success this season.
1. Bruno Fernandes
Before Bruno Fernandes arrived at Manchester United, the squad was at rock bottom. They were off the pace in the Premier League; their future was unclear in the Champions League. However, Fernandes transformed the dynamic of the team, and they became a different force entirely with his influence in the middle of the park. Fernandes made his debut in Manchester United’s draw with Wolves, and despite not coming away with a win, the Norwegian manager was quite pleased with him.
“Bruno is a top player. It’s the first game. In the first half, everyone was getting the ball into feet and Bruno is one of those who, when he gets it into feet, he wants players moving in front of him, and we didn’t.
“He’ll be a top addition”.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney also believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s signings like Cavani and Fernandes have restored a “winning mentality” to the club and helped Paul Pogba find his footing.
“The last few years, United haven’t been ready to challenge for the title, but now they’ve brought in players like Fernandes and Cavani – players with a winning mentality – that has helped massively.”
2. Paul Pogba
Pogba was sought out by Manchester United after witnessing him develop into one of the best midfielders in the world. Although the Frenchman has struggled to find his footing, it seems this season he is settling in and beginning to thrive. The recent Fernandes and Cavani signings have only complemented Pogba in his game and allowed him to enhance and flourish.
He is proving to be a crucial factor to the Red Devils success in the league, and if he leaves this summer, he will leave knowing he helped United win their first Premier League title since 2013. Pogba has contributed to successes at West Ham, Burnley and Fulham so far and his skills are being sharpened by the day. The 25-year-old has had a ton to learn during his time at Manchester United, and he has realized his abilities are more effective when he doesn’t focus entirely on the ball.
“Because I like to get a lot of touches, teams press you more. Now I try and play quicker, play more as a team than an individual.”
3. Luke Shaw
Our last player for top stand-outs in the Red Devils squad is Luke Shaw. It is undoubtedly true that Shaw has been one of Manchester United’s most prominent and best player in recent months. And his absence is significantly felt when he does not play. As a left-back, Shaw has a huge responsibility, and fortunately for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, he is back to his best this season. He seems to work well with the rest of the teammates and has even developed a seamless partnership with fellow player Marcus Rashford.
Although Shaw is quite underrated, his significance is steadily growing. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, however, Shaw will be out of action for a month after a hamstring injury during the recent win over Everton. Shaw is indefinitely crucial to the team. Without him, we can see a negative domino effect and even Rashford struggling to improvise when he isn’t there.
