4 Manchester United superstars who need to step up right now

After finishing second on the Premier League table during the previous campaign, many expected Manchester United to put up a stronger contest with their cross-city rivals Manchester City for the ultimate crown this term.

However, it is quite unfortunate that the Red Devils have shown no improvement from last season - failing to convince with their mediocre performances as well as putting Jose Mourinho's job on the line early in the term.

Starting from the transfer window and the preseason, United have failed woefully and their performances in the new Premier League campaign haven't proved otherwise, with the Red Devils claiming just 3 victories from their 7 matches so far in the English top flight as well as falling to the 10th position on the Premier League table - 9 points behind their rivals Manchester City who currently top the rankings.

Having mentioned that, it is time for United to put their mediocrity behind them and start producing decent performances on the pitch. Therefore, we take a look at 4 superstars that need to step up with their performances and help the team to overcome their difficult run:

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#5 Eric Bailly

Bailly has failed to reach his best this season

Arguably the lone bright spot in Manchester United's defense last season, Ivory Coast International Eric Bailly was one of the standout performers at Old Trafford last term and perhaps one of the best defenders in the Premier League during the campaign.

However, he has failed to maintain his incredible level of performance with which he made name for himself across the English top flight this season, producing a couple of under-par performances and adding to Jose Mourinho's headache.

The 24-year-old has featured in only 6 games for the Red Devils across all competitions so far this season. Although that was aided by injury, the defender didn't impress either when he got the chance and he will need to step up after his recovery to help United overcome their defensive woes.

#3. Chris Smalling

The defender has struggled to match up with the intensity of opposition attackers

Another Manchester United superstar that needs to step up with his performances and play a more active role as the Red Devils aim to overturn their slow start to the season is English International, Chris Smalling.

The 28-year-old has failed to impress at the center of United's defense this season, appearing too sluggish and unable to match up with the intensity of opposition attackers as well as lacking the kind of charisma Jose Mourinho demands in his defenders.

Now everyone can easily understand why the manager was fuming during the summer transfer window after Manchester United failed to sign their defensive targets - with the likes of Jerome Boateng, Toby Alderwiereld and Harry Maguire all linked with a move to Old Trafford only for the deals to collapse to the Portuguese's displeasure.

#2. Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez has been a big disappointment ever since he joined the Red Devils in January

No one has been as disappointing at Old Trafford this season as former Barcelona winger, Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean joined Manchester United from Arsenal during the previous campaign in a swap deal that saw Henrik Mkhitaryan going the other way.

However, he has failed to contribute any reasonable impact at the club ever since switched to Manchester - bagging an embarrassing 3 goals and 6 assists for the Red Devils and prompting some sections of the Old Trafford faithful to brand him their worst signing of the decade.

Considering his huge wage structure and the level of expectations before him, it is now or never for Alexis Sanchez to step up and revive his reputation at the club. He has immense technical qualities and vast experience which he needs to utilize to the benefit of the team.

#1. Paul Pogba

The Frenchman has been a source of constant distractions at Old Trafford

Perhaps the biggest problem that Manchester United have at the moment, French International, Paul Pogba has been more of a distraction than a blessing for the Red Devils ever since the campaign began this term.

The midfielder was one of the standout performers in the Les Bleus team that conquered the universe during the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup tournament that took place in Russia

But, instead of reaching a similar level of impact for his club, the 25-year-old has been a constant source of distraction at Old Trafford, picking up feuds with Jose Mourinho and publicly making controversial statements that have provoked the manager.

Ultimately, it is time for Pogba to keep his ego and opinion, make peace with his manager and ensure that he comes to the rescue of the team as the Premier League giants aim to overturn their difficult start to the campaign.

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