How the Top 6 are shaping up heading into the new Premier League season

Manchester United

The old and the new of Manchester United

When José Mourinho took over the reigns at Manchester United, it seemed as though both were staring down the barrel of fading into the unknown. Giants in their own right, both club and individual were hurting after dramatic falls from the top. United have been bleeding since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure and Mourinho's love affair with Chelsea ended in a bitter divorce, for a second time.

The 'Special One' has got United back in the mix of Europe's elite and where they would have wanted to be - in the Champions League. Despite a tepid season in the Premier League, José guided United to a League Cup and a Europa League triumph. His pragmatic approach in the transfer market has helped United secure signings that have significantly strengthened the side over the last two summers. The acquisition of Nemanja Matic allows the Red Devils to flourish in attack along with letting their most expensive signing Paul Pogba free in the middle of the park.

A mean outfit, United are competing with Lukaku up top and rumours of Zlatan making a comeback, possibly at the turn of the new year. From back to front, José seems to be creating a strong backbone that can challenge for not only the title but also contest in the Champions League.

The maturing of Rashford up top, the pressure resting on Lukaku's broad shoulders along with Pogba taking the mantle forward mean that United's success hinges on a few vital nuts and bolts being screwed on tight. The important thing from United's perspective is that José has got the team winning again, but can they now do it on the bigger stages?