As David de Gea tentatively stepped up and stroked the Europa League final’s 22nd penalty into the grateful arms of Geronimo Rulli, Manchester United's last hope of silverware last term bit the dust. 

It has now been four seasons since United's last trophy, whereas their noisy neighbours have accumulated eight in the same timeframe.

Nevertheless, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have revived optimism among the Old Trafford faithful with consecutive improvements in their Premier League finishes, culminating in an encouraging second spot in 2020-21.

Solskjaer, 48, appears to have created a harmonious environment in which the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani have been able to thrive.

Attempting to build on the momentum, the United hierarchy handed the Norwegian a new three-year contract last month. 

But it comes with strings attached because he must finally end the club's long wait for success. 

Last season

Finishing as Premier League runners-up — five points ahead of old rivals Liverpool — does not tell the full story of United’s season.

They struggled to challenge runaway champions Manchester City and were fortunate their other rivals for the top four were so inconsistent.

One of United's greatest strengths last term was their offensive play — a tally of 73 goals was the second highest in the division. 

When compared with an expected goals (xG) total of just 60.2, the clinical edge their forwards have developed under the tutelage of Solskjaer is clear to see.

But the team struggled at the back and conceded 44 goals — more than any other team in the top four.

Constant chopping and changing, caused by both injuries and poor form, resulted in United’s defence being breached far too regularly.

Ultimately, that is why they were unable to mount a sustained title challenge.

New faces

Solskjaer and United’s board have not shied away from addressing the problem positions, having already made two high-profile signings.

The addition of Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane for a mere £34million plus add-ons is a major coup.

The French centre-back, 28, has a trophy haul few can rival, having won three LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey and a World Cup.

Joining him will be Jadon Sancho, who United have finally been able to sign from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £73m after a prolonged pursuit.

The 21-year-old England winger enjoys taking on defenders, with only Schalke’s Amine Harit (102) dribbling past more players than Sancho (96) in the Bundesliga last season.

That kind of energy has been sorely lacking at times and could add a whole new dimension to United's play. 

The line-up

4-2-3-1: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.

Given a fully-fit squad, Solskjaer can field a starting XI to rival any top side in Europe.

United's attacking threat is obvious and defensive reinforcements have given the team a solid base to build from. 

Not only should they concede fewer goals, the more creative players can enjoy greater freedom without the worry of exposing a suspect defence. 

But a big question that remains lies in central midfield. 

With Paul Pogba only having a year left on his contract, his future appears to be up in the air — clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are sniffing around the World Cup winner in the hope of securing a cut-price deal.

Yet if United were to lose their record signing, it would not necessarily be a bad thing.

Pogba’s lack of defensive work has been a major talking point ever since he rejoined the club in 2016.

And with the likes of Saul Niguez and Eduardo Camavinga being discussed as alternatives, the Red Devils could be looking at a more well-rounded engine room without the 28-year-old Frenchman.

Star man: Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes, 26, has become indispensable since moving to Old Trafford 18 months ago.

His arrival marked a turning point in Solskjaer’s reign and he will continue to be the side’s midfield lynchpin this season.

The Portugese maestro is the team’s main source of creativity, as evidenced by his 0.58 big chances created per 90 minutes in 2020-21 — a feat only bettered by Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (0.85).

His ability to find space for team-mates is crucial and with new attacking players to link up with, an even more productive campaign could be in store.

Up-and-comer: Mason Greenwood

Having joined the club at the age of six, Mason Greenwood was utilised as a No9 throughout his youth career and was renowned for his goalscoring ability with both feet.

But like many young players, he was willing to take up an alternative role in exchange for greater game time.

Having spent most of the 2020-21 season stuck out on the right wing, Greenwood may benefit from the recent arrival of Sancho.

The 19-year-old will be free to challenge Cavani for the main role up front and should get plenty of opportunities with United competing on four fronts.

Whether it is the league, Champions League or the domestic cups, Greenwood must prove he is the prolific goalscorer most believe he can become.

The boss: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

After a sticky period in early 2020, Solskjaer now appears to be taking United from strength to strength.

The signings made during his reign have improved the team and allowed for greater consistency, both in performance and results.

There have always been questions over his tactical nous but he was able to shut up shop against ‘big six’ rivals on multiple occasions last season — achieving results that previously would have gone against his side.

The Norwegian clearly has the backing of United’s hierarchy but he must continue to progress.

It is crunch time for Solskjaer. If he does not deliver a trophy this season, he may well end up back on the managerial merry-go-round.

All information correct as of 10am, August 16, 2021