10 Key Factors to Take Manchester United to Premier League Glory in 2015/16
Manchester United finished the 2014/15 Premier League season 17 points adrift of champions Chelsea. Can they overhaul that difference next season? If so, how?
While it currently looks unlikely, it is certainly possible. All being well, they should at least narrow the gap. If they have not done so by this time next year, then things have gone awry.
However, if enough goes United's way, they could find a way to overtake Jose Mourinho's men. Let's take a look at 10 things that would have to happen for United to lift the Premier League title in 2015/16.
Pre-Season Goes Well
1 of 10
Last year's pre-season tour was a draining affair, which left Louis van Gaal's side ravaged by injuries. This time around, the club have arranged a shorter, more geographically condensed tour. After that, no friendly has been arranged at Old Trafford ahead of the season, and Van Gaal is instead taking the time to work with his team on the training ground.
This is a chance for him to teach, something that is key to his managerial style. If that goes well, United can start the season in better fettle than they did last time out.
That will be especially important, given the Champions League play-off they will face just a few games into the season. No less important will be the pursuit of league points from the off.
Memphis Hits the Ground Running
2 of 10
Memphis Depay's signing is a boost for United, given the Dutch winger's goalscoring prowess in the Eredivisie. For United to return to Premier League glory, they will likely need their new man to get at least close to the same levels of performance in England.
It is a big ask, but Depay is clearly not short of confidence. If he can contribute 10 to 15 goals and double figures in assists, United will be considerably more likely to challenge for the title.
Angel Di Maria Finds Form
3 of 10
Talking of goals and assists from creative players...
Angel Di Maria managed to be United's leading assist maker in a very mixed season. If Van Gaal and he can find a way to work that produces a fully productive season from him, the Red Devils should be a very different proposition.
When he was on song in the early part of the season just gone, he was superb, causing Premier League defenders all sorts of trouble. If he can keep that going throughout the 2015/16 campaign, Di Maria could take United one step closer to the title.
United Find a 25-Goal Striker
4 of 10
With reports, per Sky Sports, linking Harry Kane to United, perhaps he could be the man.
Equally, if played at No. 9 for most of the season, perhaps Wayne Rooney will be the player to provide United's cutting edge.
There is even an outside chance Robin van Persie could regain his form.
Regardless, United need someone to, frankly speaking, bang in some goals. While spreading the burden around the team is good, a player who can be relied upon to keep the goals flowing is vital if United are to win the league.
The Philosophy Clicks—and Stays Clicked
5 of 10
The above picture represents the peak moment of United's 2014/15 season. As has been discussed at length, there was a run of fixtures wherein the philosophy appeared to have clicked.
This time around, that needs to happen a lot sooner than March—which was when it kicked in last term. It also needs to last a lot longer than four games.
Van Gaal has a full pre-season to work with his players, and most of the squad will have a year's worth of experience of working under him. If it does not happen in the season ahead, it seems unlikely that it ever will.
The playing staff getting the approach will not do the job alone. It will require at least most of the other nine factors here to also work.
This particular factor, though, is a non-negotiable. To succeed under Van Gaal, United need the philosophy to do the job for which it was designed.
De Gea Stays or Is Adequately Replaced
6 of 10
There has been a great deal of speculation about David De Gea's future. Mike Keegan of the Mail Online wrote on Friday that "Manchester United are preparing for life after David De Gea." Assuming he does not stay, United will have to get the choice of his replacement right if they are to be in with a shot at the title.
Hopefully, whoever gets the No. 1 shirt will not have to work as hard as De Gea has done in the past two seasons to keep United competitive, but nonetheless, a high level of quality is needed in United's goal.
Midfield Additions Are Made
7 of 10
Of all the places United need to increase "the balance in the selection," the centre of midfield is key. If Van Gaal plans to play 4-3-3, he will need options if either Michael Carrick or Ander Herrera is injured. Given Carrick's age, relying on him to spend the season fit would seem foolhardy—especially with a return to European competition.
There is also an argument that to be competitive for the league, United need an upgrade on Marouane Fellaini. The big Belgian was extremely useful in the season just gone, but he looks a shadow of himself when denied space. In the games when teams sit deep against United, a more creative option would hopefully ensure fewer points are dropped, meaning the club has a better chance at league glory.
The Mantle of Leadership in Central Defence Is Seized
8 of 10
Much like the goalscoring point, this can either come from players already at United or new additions.
Chris Smalling has taken strides toward a leadership role, as was covered on B/R back in May. Whether he is the answer or someone else, United's defence needs a settled and certain leader if the team is to challenge for the title.
That certainty was key to many of Sir Alex Ferguson's later league wins, particularly when Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were in their pomp. That partnership was among the best ever, and a similar level needs to be found by whoever turns out for United at centre-back next season.
United Suffer Fewer Injuries
9 of 10
United's injury record in 2014/15 was truly catastrophic. For most of the first half of the season, Van Gaal was forced to continually shuffle the pack. The same happened again during the run-in, particularly in the wake of the injury Michael Carrick suffered in the final moments of the 4-2 victory over Manchester City in April.
However good United's transfer window is, they still need enough of their important players to stay fit for the majority of the season to be a force in the title race. They also need to avoid the stacking of injuries in a single position, as happened at centre-half in 2014.
The squad is deep enough that United do not need some sort of injury-free miracle to compete; they just need to avoid the kind of calamity that befell them during Van Gaal's first season in charge.
Chelsea Slip Up
10 of 10
Sadly, even if United manage to tick all of the boxes from the previous slides, they will probably also require Chelsea to stumble.
Eighty-seven points is a beatable target—United's last league win came with 89 points. However, Chelsea took their foot off the gas after they had won the league and could probably have added the three points they dropped at West Bromwich Albion had they needed to win that day.
Mourinho is likely to make his side even stronger in the transfer window, so even if United are at their best, they will need Chelsea to spend at least part of the season short of theirs.
In truth, United should be using the 2015/16 season as Chelsea used 2013/14—to close the gap on the leaders, fill the gaps in their squad and prepare themselves for a much more plausible run at silverware the following season.
However, if everything in this prescription comes good, then the Premier League title may be dressed in red ribbons sooner than opposition fans would like.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
