Photo Credit: footballia.net

Finally, all the transfer talk is over (despite a somewhat underwhelming window), and it is now time for the football to do the talking as Manchester United are set to take on Chelsea in a big Premier League opener at Old Trafford on Sunday. 

United enjoyed a positive pre-season, going undefeated by winning all six of their preparation games (5W and 1 on penalties). Despite the seemingly never ending speculation about the ins and outs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked quite impressive in pre-season, and gave the fans some reasons for optimism with the style of play that was implemented over the summer. In addition, United also managed to address the most important hole in the squad by adding two quality signings in Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire to solidify the defence. And while failing to replace some players further up the park, United do seem to be in better shape mentally and physically in comparison to this time last year, and with the emerging youth players set to be given a real chance in the first team this campaign. 

Chelsea had some issues of their own heading into pre-season with the transfer ban and the departure of Maurizio Sarri hanging over their heads, but they also brought in a familiar face in midfield legend, Frank Lampard, to steady the ship, and start building towards the future with his youthful eye. The Blues played some impressive football going forward during their preparation period, but looked quite vulnerable on the defensive end, conceding three goals against both the Championship side Reading and RB Salzburg in their last two friendly outings. Despite that, like United, the London side is seemingly also full of optimism heading into the new season, with plenty of fresh faces ready to take their chance and stake their claim to be in the team long-term once their transfer ban is lifted next summer.