The 2017-2018 season was a memorable one for Manchester United fans. After a few years of rebuilding under Jose Mourinho, the Red Devils were back in contention for the Premier League title. The squad was stacked with talent, boasting some of the best players in the world. This article will delve into the Manchester United squad from the 2017-2018 season, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and key players.
The Starting Lineup
The 2017-2018 Manchester United starting lineup was a formidable force, capable of dominating most teams in the Premier League. The backline was a mix of experience and youth. David De Gea was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, renowned for his incredible shot-stopping abilities. The back four typically consisted of Antonio Valencia at right-back, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof in the center, and Ashley Young at left-back.
In midfield, Nemanja Matic provided defensive solidity and experience, shielding the backline. Paul Pogba, the world-record signing, operated alongside him, showcasing his incredible passing range, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring abilities. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the creative force behind the strikers, his vision and passing ability were key to unlocking defenses.
Up front, the duo of Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial posed a serious threat to any opposition. Lukaku’s physicality and clinical finishing were a nightmare for defenders, while Martial’s pace and trickery added a different dimension to the attack.
The Strength of the Squad
The 2017-2018 Manchester United squad had many strengths. The team was exceptionally well-balanced, with a strong defense, a creative midfield, and a lethal attack.
- Defensive Solidity: The presence of experienced players like De Gea, Valencia, Matic, and Bailly gave the team a solid defensive foundation. This allowed the team to control games and limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities.
- Midfield Creativity: Pogba’s return to the club was a significant boost, bringing dynamism and creativity to the midfield. Alongside Mkhitaryan, they orchestrated attacks and created numerous scoring chances for the forwards.
- Attacking Prowess: The attacking trio of Lukaku, Martial, and Rashford was a constant threat. Lukaku’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability were complemented by Martial’s pace and Rashford’s directness.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Despite their strengths, the 2017-2018 Manchester United squad also had some weaknesses.
- Inconsistency: At times, the team struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance. They would put in dominant performances, but then follow them up with disappointing displays. This inconsistency was a major factor in their inability to win the league title.
- Lack of Depth: Despite the quality in the starting lineup, the squad lacked depth in some positions. Injuries to key players could sometimes disrupt the team’s rhythm and balance.
- Strategic Flexibility: Mourinho’s tactics were often criticized for being too rigid and predictable. This made it easier for opponents to analyze and counter Manchester United’s game plan.
Key Players:
Paul Pogba: Pogba was the star of the 2017-2018 season for Manchester United. He was the driving force behind the team’s success, providing creativity, dynamism, and goals.
Romelu Lukaku: Lukaku was the team’s leading goalscorer, showcasing his exceptional finishing ability. His physical presence and powerful strikes were a constant threat to opponents.
David De Gea: De Gea was the team’s defensive anchor, making numerous crucial saves throughout the season. His exceptional shot-stopping ability was a major factor in Manchester United’s success.
The 2017-2018 Season: A Recap
The 2017-2018 season was a mixed bag for Manchester United. While they fell short of winning the Premier League title, they did manage to win the FA Cup and finish second in the league. The squad was undoubtedly talented, but it was clear that they needed to overcome some weaknesses and challenges to consistently compete at the highest level.
FAQs:
Q: What were the main reasons for Manchester United’s inconsistency in the 2017-2018 season?
A: The team’s inconsistency was attributed to several factors, including: a lack of depth in some positions, Mourinho’s rigid tactics, and a lack of consistency from some key players.
Q: How did the 2017-2018 Manchester United squad compare to the team that won the Premier League in 2012-2013?
A: The 2017-2018 squad was arguably more talented than the 2012-2013 team, but it lacked the same level of experience and cohesion.
Q: What were the highlights of the 2017-2018 season for Manchester United?
A: The highlights include winning the FA Cup, finishing second in the Premier League, and Paul Pogba’s return to the club.
Q: What were the major challenges facing the team in the 2017-2018 season?
A: The team faced challenges in terms of maintaining consistency, dealing with injuries, and overcoming Mourinho’s rigid tactics.
Conclusion
The 2017-2018 Manchester United squad had all the ingredients for a successful season. The team was packed with talent and was capable of dominating opponents. However, inconsistency, a lack of depth, and strategic inflexibility prevented them from achieving their ultimate goal of winning the Premier League title. Despite these shortcomings, it was still a successful season for the Red Devils, highlighted by their FA Cup triumph.