We’re now less than a week away from the Premier League’s return and there will be plenty of eyes on Manchester United this season, with the Red Devils braced for their second season under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.

United won the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League last season but struggled in the Premier League, finishing sixth and well behind champions Chelsea. However, their spending this summer has increased expectations ahead of the new campaign.

The Red Devils have brought in Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic to provide a new spine to their side, whilst also bolstering the depth in their squad which will be crucial with the club’s return to Champions League football.

Manchester United won’t fine things easy in their Premier League campaign though as there are plenty of sides eyeing glory this season, with rivals Manchester City spending heavily, Tottenham Hotspur looking strong in recent seasons, defending champions Chelsea looking to retain their crown and Arsenal looking for redemption.

However, Manchester United’s bold summer spending has left Mourinho’s side sat in a strong position and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the Red Devils are certainly contenders ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking to BT Sport ahead of yesterday’s Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Chelsea, Gerrard said:

“It would only be a matter of time before Jose went out and got those pieces of the jigsaw that would make United a lot stronger and able to compete again back at the top of the league and it certainly looks like they’re moving in that direction. Lukaku is proven in the Premier League with goals and Matic for me is an excellent signing.”

The fact that Lukaku and Matic arrive with a wealth of Premier League experience will be crucial for the Red Devils campaign, whilst Lindelof can slot into the defence alongside last summer’s acquisition Eric Bailly- potentially giving United a defensive duo for the foreseeable future.

Manchester United kick-start their new season this Sunday by hosting West Ham United at Old Trafford but their first point of call is the European Super Cup against Real Madrid, which takes place tomorrow evening.