Mount Targets Premier League Title Next Season

Mason Mount Believes Man Utd Can Challenge for the Title: Is He Right?

On the one hand, it’s only to be expected that Mount and other Manchester United players would be speaking out in positive terms at this point in the season. The club feels like it finally has a sense of momentum after over a decade of turmoil, and players talking of challenging for the title helps fans feel a sense of the excitement that once permeated Alex Ferguson’s “Theatre of Dreams.”

On the other hand, this positive run should be taken in context. United’s unstable ownership situation and wider club structure has not been fixed overnight. A Premier League title run requires sustained, relentless commitment at all levels of the club, and a spell of good results under a fan-favourite manager isn’t a full proof of concept.

Man Utd’s Strong Finish to This Season Under Michael Carrick

It can’t be argued that Manchester United have been extremely impressive since Carrick took over in January. United have won more points in that period than any other club in the Premier League, and their run of form - most recently a massive 3-2 win over bitter rivals Liverpool - has taken them to a clear 3rd place in the league. Champions League football is guaranteed at this point, bringing United back to the level the club believes is its birthright. This run has also included victories over leaders Arsenal and local rivals Manchester City, plus European contenders like Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has been exceptional, with Paul Pogba recently commenting that if Fernandes played for close rivals Manchester City, he would be in the conversation for a Ballon d’Or. However, the lift in cohesion and commitment has been evident across the entire team, with performances under Carrick showing that Manchester United’s extensive spending in recent years may not yet have been a total waste - some of the pieces are falling into place.

Who Will Be Manchester United’s Manager Next Year?

However, the big question is whether Carrick will be entrusted with the job full-time at the end of the season. Many pundits, including Man United legend Gary Neville, have spoken out strongly in favour of his continued appointment. It’s possible that Mason Mount’s recent comments also speak to a desire within the dressing room to keep Carrick, indicating that the players believe that with their current manager, they can challenge for the greatest prizes.

However, Carrick doesn’t have the established record or international reputation of some other managers, and there is a lingering worry among the fanbase that this will trouble the club’s leadership. The leading alternative is Andoni Iraola, the current Bournemouth manager, who is known to be leaving the club at the end of the season. Oliver Glasner is another potential replacement. However, with Carrick’s current form and beloved status at the club, it would feel questionable to replace him with an outside candidate at this point.

Contending With the Other Top Teams

Carrick’s record against his rivals is good this season: he has beaten Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the Premier League. But can he beat them over a full year?

Man City

Rumours of Pep Guardiola’s imminent departure from Manchester City continue to swirl. Losing Guardiola, an unstoppable winning machine, would be a blow - but City’s owners tend to back new managers strongly with marquee signings. Many will still consider them the team to beat.

Arsenal

Arsenal are coughing and sputtering towards their first potential title in over 20 years. With a few weeks to go, the title is still not as secure as they’d like. However, Mikel Arteta has built a formidable machine over the past five years, and they will provide a stern test for a resurgent United in any circumstances.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s future feels uncertain, with Mo Salah departing and Arne Slot’s second season failing to match the highs of his initial title-winning year. Manchester United are comfortably ahead of Liverpool this year, and it feels very likely that a new “top four” consisting of these clubs will form in the new year.

Is This Finally a New Chapter for Man Utd?

United will be desperate to finally put the club’s post-Ferguson malaise behind them. Michael Carrick seemed an unlikely saviour, but who’s to argue with results? Perhaps Mount will be proven right and Manchester’s red half could find its old swagger in the coming season.