Manchester United finished second in the Premier League last season, and it’s been highlighted by a club hero what must be done to go all the way this time around.
United will be hoping to challenge for the Premier League title this year and end their neighbours’ recent domestic dominance.
Despite a vastly improved season, United had to settle for second place last season and Manchester City won their third title in four years by some margin.
But with all of the top four strengthening, it could be significantly tighter this year.
United have brought in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane for a combined £115million to enhance their creativity and solidify their defence, and are now serious contenders.
However, former United star Lee Sharpe has explained what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must do if his old club are going to win their first title since the 2012/13 season.
Sharpe, who was speaking in conjuction with William Hill, commented about the importance of mindset during a long season, and told Express Sport: “I think that is all about mindset really.
“I think they have the players but it’s all about getting the right frame of mind.”
Sharpe also said that other than tough battles between the top four, Solskjaer’s side must ensure they are beating the league’s lesser lights.
He added: “I think as a Manchester United player and as a supporter now, I think you’d be looking at teams below what you expect the top four to be, and I think you’d expect United to win those games.”
Throughout United’s last campaign, they became known for coming back to win games from behind and broke a Premier League record with the amount of points they obtained from losing positions.
Althought this achievement shows a lot of mental strength, and a winning mentality, it isn’t sustainable and Sharpe expressed that Solskjaer must eradicate this.
He explained: “Last season in a lot of games they started off slow, were giving goals away and had to come from behind a lot.
“If they get off on the front foot and they keep the big players fit, keep their confidence up and belief when things are not going great, I think they have every chance of pushing for a title.”
United have already started well this season, as they dismantled Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford in their Premier League opener, but Manchester City lost their opening game for the first time since the 2010/11 season as they were defeated 1-0 by Tottenham.
That stands as a good omen for United, who won the title that year, breaking Liverpool’s record of 18 top-flight titles in the process.