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PREMIER PLATFORM FOR UNITED AFTER MOURINHO’S FIRST SEASON

SEASON OF PROGRESS

Manchester United’s Europa League success means this season can be quantified as a success, but it must act as a platform for a Premier League title challenge next term.

Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge was always going to be difficult to live up to expectations, but winning two trophies and qualifying for next season’s Champions League means his debut campaign must now be seen as a success.

United put all their eggs in the Europa League basket and the gamble paid off in the end for Mourinho.

If United had lost in the final against Ajax the season would have been deemed a failure having finished as low as sixth in the Premier League.

However, United can now build on their two trophies this season as it lays for a platform for Mourinho and his players to go all out for a proper tilt at the title next year.

TIME TO TURN THE DRAWS INTO WINS

United finished a massive 24 points off champions Chelsea this season so there is a huge gap to close if United are to get back in contention for winning the top prize in the country.

There were signs that United could find consistency in the Premier League after setting a new club record for the longest unbeaten run of 25 games within a single top-flight season, but this sequence was punctuated by 12 draws with nine of those coming at Old Trafford which cost United valuable points and a realistic chance of battling for the title.

There is a fine line between success and failure as is illustrated in how Chelsea have bounced back from a disastrous title defence last season to conquer all before them to regain the championship.

Can United do what Chelsea did this season by closing the gap on their rivals within one season and go on and win the title? That is the question that will be asked of Mourinho by the United hierarchy next season.

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STABILITY NEEDED

Qualifying for the Champions League is crucial to Mourinho’s plans going forward as it helps the club generate more revenue and in the process gives Mourinho improved possibilities of signing his top transfer targets which he feels he needs to strengthen his squad.

United have been in a transitional period ever since Sir Alex Ferguson decided to leave Old Trafford and United are on their third manager to try and get back to the glory days and unrivalled success enjoyed by the legendary Scot.

Mourinho has become first United manager in history to win a trophy in his first season and he is also the first since Ferguson to pick up European silverware as he has restored that winning mentality to the club which prove invaluable for the challenges ahead.

Two trophies and a place back in the Champions League means the future is looking bright at Old Trafford, but there is still a lot of work for Mourinho to do if he is to get back United back to the summit of English football.

PREMIER PLATFORM

Chelsea and Manchester City have the power and finances to compete with United on and off the pitch, while fellow top four finishers Tottenham and Liverpool will aim to continue to improve so United face a daunting task to overhaul their domestic rivals.

However, after disappointing spells under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal it looks like United are heading in the right direction under Mourinho and in his second season during his second coming at Chelsea he was able to lead them to the title.

We all know that the Europa League is not Mourinho’s favourite trophy having become a regular diner at Europe’s top table throughout his career, but it could prove to be his most important in his tenure at Old Trafford.

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