3 things that must happen for Manchester United to make 2020 a success 

The calendar year of 2019 was a roller-coaster for the Manchester United supporters. The Red Devils were flying at the start of the year with Ole Gunnar Solskjær at the helm as the caretaker manager. After winning 14 out of 19 games, the Norwegian was handed the job permanently at the end of March. However, United's form dropped drastically and they failed to qualify for this season's Champions League after finishing 6th in the Premier League last season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have blown hot and cold this season. While they have done incredibly well against top sides, they have struggled to beat teams in the lower half of the league table. United currently sit 5th in the Premier League table- five points behind 4th placed Chelsea - but are still in three other competitions.

Solskjær has preached that 2020 will provide happier times for the Manchester United fans. While they will not be competing for the Premier League title or the Uefa Champions League this year, there are still things that can happen for them to consider this year a success. On that note, we take a look at three things that must happen for Manchester United to consider this year a success.

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#3 Revamp the squad in the summer

Solskjær must be fully backed to revamp the squad in the summer

After years of poor recruitment, Manchester United finally had a decent transfer window last summer under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Their three signings - Aaron Wan Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire - have settled in well and have made an immediate impact at the club. The Red Devils also chopped off the deadwood from the squad in order to embed academy players into the first-team squad. However, their failure to bring in reinforcements in certain positions left the squad severely depleted in those areas.

While the Red Devils are keen on bringing in reinforcements in the January transfer window, they are well aware that getting their first-choice targets will be next to impossible for them this month. This makes next summer's transfer window crucial for them. The 13-time Premier League champions are short of quality options in various positions on the pitch and will have to bolster their squad in the summer in order to compete for major honours next season.

Midfield is one position where the Red Devils are seriously lacking depth at the moment, and their resources in that position might further deplete if Nemanja Matić and Paul Pogba leave the club in the upcoming transfer windows. Hence, bolstering the midfield will be the utmost priority. Moreover, the departure of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku in the summer left them short of options up-front. While bringing in reinforcements is considered crucial for Manchester United, getting rid of underperforming players will be equally important.

United will have to splash some serious money in the summer transfer window in order to bring in the best players in their respective positions, and their activity in the transfer window will determine whether they will be able to compete for major trophies next season. Hence, it is extremely important that the Red Devils get their recruitment spot on in the summer.

#2 Attain managerial stability

Will Solskjaer still be at the wheels by the end of the year?

Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjær's appointment as the permanent manager of Manchester United back in March, the Red Devils have managed to win just 27% of their games. While they have done well against the top sides, they have struggled to beat sides who are fighting to avoid relegation. The inconsistent performances and results on the pitch have put his position at Manchester United under scrutiny and some section of the supporters have started to lose faith in him. The availability of Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked by Tottenham Hotspurs back in November 2019, hasn't helped his cause and has made his position even more vulnerable. Pochettino has been coveted by United's hierarchy for several years and was the first choice to replace José Mourinho before Solskjær took over the reigns of the club.

While there will always be the temptation of bringing in one of the best coaches in Pochettino, the Red Devils need to stick with their current manager and give him time and resources to build a squad capable of implementing his style of football on the pitch. The club's hierarchy has reiterated that they believe in his long-term vision for the club and needs to stick to their words, even if that means they will have to endure some setbacks in the short-term. Manchester United are currently undergoing a rebuild and the last thing they need at the moment is uncertainty surrounding the manager's future.

#1 Qualify for the Champions League

Will Manchester United make a return to Europe's elite competition next season?

Manchester United used to be the ever-present club in the Champions League, however, that hasn't been the case since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013. In the six seasons following the departure of the legendary Scot, the Red Devils have failed to qualify for Europe's elite competition on three occasions.

The Reds dropped to the Europa League after failing to make it into the top-four in the Premier League last season, and returning to the Champions League will be one of their main objectives. Given the struggles of their rivals this season, the Red Devils have a great opportunity to finish inside the Champions League spots if they manage to string some good results from now till the end of the season. Alternatively, they can confirm their booking in next season's Champions League by winning the Europa League this season.

Qualifying for Europe's elite competition next season is extremely important for Manchester United as it will give them the ability to lure the best talents from across Europe to successfully rebuild their squad.

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