Manchester United Premier League season 17-18 preview: Martin Keown's guide

The Premier League season is now just hours away, and it is time to look ahead to how the 20 teams will all get on.

Sportsmail has recruited columnist Martin Keown to run through reasons to be cheerful and fearful, as well as the key player and major signings.

Here is the lowdown on Manchester United...


 

WHO'S IN CHARGE ? 

Jose Mourinho - Emerged from his first season with flying colours by winning two trophies. The Europa League triumph means United return to Europe's top table but fans will grow frustrated if Mourinho does not take off the handbrake and give his team licence to attack. 

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

After three mediocre seasons by their standards, things seem a lot rosier at Old Trafford. United have made another huge signing in Romelu Lukaku, who will be a focal point for their attack and a potential star for many years to come. The great United teams have all contained superb strikers and Lukaku's goals can fuel a title challenge. 

REASONS TO BE FEARFUL 

United need to rekindle the fear factor at Old Trafford where they drew 10 games last season. Much of this was down to United's profligacy, with only Southampton, Middlesbrough and Sunderland converting fewer of their shots. The likes of Lukaku and Marcus Rashford must take their chances if United are to kick on. 

Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku will be bullying centre halves all over the Premier League

Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku will be bullying centre halves all over the Premier League

PICK YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM NOW 

Compete against your family and friends with the MailOnline Fantasy Football game 

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KEY PLAYER 

Romelu Lukaku - I don't think we've seen anything like what he is capable of. There is so much more in his locker and he will be bullying centre halves all over the Premier League. He could well win the Golden Boot. 

MAJOR INS 

Romelu Lukaku (Everton) £75m, Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) £40m, Victor Lindelof (Benfica) £30.7m 

MAJOR OUTS 

Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad) £9.8m, Wayne Rooney (Everton) free, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (released) 

LAST SEASON POSITION: 6TH

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH THIS SEASON? 

If Lukaku fires, United will finish in the top four and challenge for the title.