2016-17 fan predictions: Manchester United
By Alan Burton, Manchester United fan
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
I’m as excited as any fan. The change of manager and whole mood around the club has changed that perspective, though. If Van Gaal had still been in charge, I suspect feelings would have been different.
Are you satisfied with your club’s transfer business this summer?
I would have liked to have seen us sign another centre-half as we lack quality in that position but it will be interesting to see how Eric Bailly settles into that role. Two star signings in Pogba and Ibrahimovic, who will improve the team no doubt, and Mkhitaryan looks the real deal also.
How is your team likely to line up?
It will be Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation. It will be interesting to see who he plays wide as we seem to have a surplus of number 10s at the moment that he will need to fit into his system.
Have you got the right man in charge?
I think so. He is a proven winner. He has a strong dislike for Liverpool which will hopefully bring back some added spice to a fixture that has seemed flat over the past few seasons (last season’s Europa League tie being the exception).
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
I expect them to improve further under Klopp. Team spirit plays such a big part in football, as Leicester proved last season, and it is clear to see he is building that at Liverpool. I expect them to challenge for the top four.
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
Clyne – I think he is better than any right-back options we currently have.
Top four (in order)?
United
City
Chelsea
Arsenal
Relegated?
Hull, Bournemouth, Sunderland
Who will be the surprise package?
Middlesbrough
What is your one wish for the season?
That the style of play improves from the dross we have been watching over the past two seasons. I can handle the “park the bus” mentality in the big games but do not want to see a defensive approach to football dominate the season again.