Manchester United: Three crucial players for the Red Devils this season

#2 Paul Pogba

Pogba lost the ball too many times against Southampton.

With the European transfer market now closed, the French superstar needs to settle and replicate the kind of form he had last season when he scored 14 goals. He has been asked to play a deeper role this season in a midfield two. On any given day, Paul Pogba has the qualities to be a world-class player and is arguably the best in his position.

Solskjaer needs to adjust his midfield by bringing in either Nemanja Matic or Fred in order to push the French man forward. In the last three matches, it has been clear United need more bodies in the midfield area. It goes without saying that when Pogba plays well, normally the team does so too.

Pogba now needs to focus on the task at hand by adjusting his game. He should have already noted by now that referees this season are a bit strict and will not blow the whistle on cheap fouls. This means that Pogba should do less show-boating and more of the simple things such as releasing the ball faster.

Nemanja Matic needs to hold fort if Pogba is to be released forward.

---

#1 Harry Maguire

Maguire has already shown his leadership qualities.

The England international has put on a good shift so far. He has hardly put a foot wrong when it comes to his game. He is genuinely a leader on the pitch. Harry Maguire's towering frame and calming presence at the back can build sense of composure for his team mates. This season, he will need to marshal that defensive line and take charge of setting the tone on how United should defend.

This will be important especially now that the fear-factor is gone when teams play the Red Devils. Maguire can help restore the strong defensive unit that United were known for during the Sir. Alex Ferguson era.

The huge problem for Solskjaer will be to find a formidable partner for Maguire. Eric Bailly is out injured so options are limited. Chris Smalling sealed a deal to the Serie A with AS Roma which leaves the likes of Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo as the alternatives. When fit, Maguire is certainly one of the first on the team sheet, who wouldn't fancy a 6-ft-4 World Cup-semi-finalist who is comfortable on the ball as their centre back?