Premier League: Decoding Mourinho's best United team

With the arrivals of Jose Mourinho, Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba at Old Trafford this summer, it is fair to say that Manchester United are not messing about in their attempts to get back to the top of English football. Having not won the Premier League since 2012-13 in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge, the Red Devils have faced a comparatively torrid time – although most clubs’ fans would be more than happy with a seventh, fourth and fifth placed finish as well as an FA Cup!

With the deadwood being slowly shifted, Mourinho must be positive about his chances of success over the coming years. But with such uncertainty in the league as there is, there is no reason why Manchester United cannot target a league title in his first season – a feat he accomplished in his first spell at Chelsea. Louis van Gaal left behind a frail yet talented group of players and Mourinho has, so far, been able to implement his winning mentality on the squad.

In David De Gea, United arguably boast the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and the arrival of Mourinho guarantees that the Spaniard will be between the sticks at Old Trafford for a few years to come. Now the number one for his national side, the 25 year old has flaws that still need ironing out – especially his tendency to be weak at his near post – but his shot stopping is second to none in England.

Antonio Valencia has blown hot and cold throughout his time at United but has recently become a more than dependable right-back, with his natural loss of pace making the right wing role one for the more youthful members of Mourinho’s squad. His ability to cross and pass can still be a useful asset in the opponent’s half but his defensive improvement has sidelined last summer’s signing Matteo Darmian. The Ecuadorian will be able to bridge the gap before the extremely impressive Timothy Fosu-Mensah is able to become United’s first choice on the right side of defence.

The latter years of Ferguson’s reign saw United go through some poor centre backs and their ability to continue to win major trophies was really down to an impressive attack and Ferguson’s incredible managerial ability. In Chris – or Mike – Smalling, United have found a diamond in the rough that improved no end during Van Gaal’s reign, being one of the Dutchman’s few success stories in his two-year stint in the Old Trafford hot seat. His tackling, reading of the game and passing all improved under van Gaal, a coach who prided himself on the defensive rigidity of his sides. Alongside Smalling, Eric Bailly has so far proven to be an astute purchase. Arriving this summer for £30m, the Ivorian looks composed and has slotted into Mourinho’s side with ease – being a contender for man of the match in all three of his competitive appearances. Finally, the return of Luke Shaw from a long-term injury has provided Mourinho with a huge boost. The young left-back provides pace and width to United’s attacks, with his defensive ability also improving during his time at Southampton under Mauricio Pochettino.

It is in midfield where Mourinho faces a bigger dilemma, with a host of excellent players at his disposal. But, in the long term, it seems Daley Blind and world record signing Paul Pogba will be Manchester United’s first choice pair, with Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney or Juan Mata sitting just in front of them. Blind filled in seamlessly at centre back in the absence of Smalling, a role he had rarely played before joining United in the summer of 2014. His range of passing – as shown in the World Cup for Robin van Persie’s famous header against Spain – is impeccable but his tenacity in defence and reading of the game is the best at the club, which also allows Pogba, the full backs and the rest of the attack to push forward.

It is the signing of Pogba that gives many the belief that United can win the league this season, not only on a footballing level but the way in which the club has been lifted by his arrival. His knack of scoring goals adds to his flair when taking on players and the strength he brings to the midfield. In the current market, there is little doubt his hefty fee will be repaid in his performances and trophies. Ahead of him, a battle between Herrera and Mata could commence. Mourinho infamously sold the latter to United in January 2014 and it seemed he would be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer. However his willingness to fight for his place and let bygones be bygones has shown in his performances, with Mourinho rightfully rewarding him with a starting berth in the first two league games of the season.

However the biggest loser of Mourinho’s ruthlessness could be United and England skipper, Rooney. His decline from world beater during Ferguson’s reign has been long coming and his performances in recent months, if not seasons, having been lacklustre. His reputation has held him at such heights for a while but Mourinho’s lack of sentiment might just spell the end for Rooney and an eventual move is looking likelier than ever.

If the team so far hasn’t struck fear in opposition, the front three might just do. Mkhitaryan, AnthonyMartial and Ibrahimovic. The Armenian signed from Borussia Dortmund for an approximate fee of £26m, a steal for United despite him being in the final year of his contract in Germany. His pace, creativity and goal threat made him one of Europe’s best players last season and guided his side to a return to 2^nd place in the Bundesliga. In 2015-16, Martial proved just why van Gaal parted with an initial £42.5m for the then 19 year old from Monaco. His goals helped United stumble over the line into 5^th position, although they challenged for a Champions League spot until the final day. However it is the Frenchman’s trickery and pace that will allow Mourinho to mould him into a similar role that Eden Hazard performed for Chelsea under the Portuguese manager.

Finally, Ibrahimovic – what more can be said? Many doubted his ability to adapt to the league but so far, he has proved critics wrong. A winner in the Community Shield against Leicester was followed by a long range strike at the Vitality Stadium and both goals in the 2-0 win over Southampton at Old Trafford. Whilst he may not replicate his 40+ goals from Ligue 1, a return of 15-20 would still be an exceptional feat for a 34-year-old. His height, power and finishing ability are second to none in this United side and whilst he is unlikely to feature in every game, he could spearhead Mourinho’s charge to the Premier League title.