Paul Pogba can drive Manchester United towards the Premier League title, says former defender Denis Irwin
- Denis Irwin believes Paul Pogba can be the driving force for Manchester United
- Irwin claims Frenchman can be key to the club's Premier League title challenge
- Former defender believes Marcus Rashford will score more goals after last term
- Irwin feels reigning Chelsea may find it harder this season, along with Tottenham
Paul Pogba will be the X-factor in Manchester United's challenge for this season's Premier League title, former defender Denis Irwin has predicted.
The 51-year-old expects Pogba to be the driving force in a United team which he says has been improved by manager Jose Mourinho's summer signings.
And he believes striker Marcus Rashford will score more goals following last season's 'over-reliance' on Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
It is a year since Paul Pogba made his move to Manchester United for a then world-record fee
Former United Denis Irwin is confident the signing of Nemanja Matic will unleash Pogba
'I expect Paul Pogba to be a really powerful player this year,' said Irwin.
'I expect Manchester United to challenge for the title. More consistency is needed. We drew too many (last season) and I think more goals are needed from different areas.
'Last season there was an over-reliance on Zlatan. Rashford, I think, will score more goals.'
Left-back Irwin made 529 appearances for the Old Trafford side, and believes Manchester City's purchase of three full-backs for a combined total of £130milion is a 'needs must' reaction.
The France midfielder is likely to play with more freedom in the side since Matic's arrival
Irwin (pictured in the 1995 FA Cup final) became known as a set-piece specialist for United
'It's good to see the full-back getting regarded in high esteem at last!' he said.
As for United's new signings, Irwin thinks it has been a summer of good business in a transfer window of 'eye-opening' amounts spent on players.
Defender Victor Lindelof, striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Nemanja Matic have all been snapped up by Mourinho.
'Lindelof will take a bit of time but will turn into a very good player,' Irwin said. 'Lukaku and Matic are good additions. Matic is a really experienced, solid performer.'
Marcus Rashford is expected to have an even bigger impact since Zlatan Ibrahimovic's exit
Irwin has been impressed with his former club's transfer business so far this summer
But Irwin feels United will have a fight on their hands, as others battle it out at the top of the league. He thinks reigning champions Chelsea may find it harder this season, along with Tottenham.
'Chelsea have got European football and Spurs are now at Wembley,' he said.
'Manchester City will be strong this year and Arsenal have bought a striker which was needed. I wouldn't dismiss Everton. It's going to be a very competitive league I think.'
Denis Irwin was speaking on behalf of Marathonbet, the official betting partner to Manchester United.
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