The 2020/21 Premier League season is less than a week away so Matchday FM is getting the views from fans across the most watched league in the world.
In today's article, we get the thoughts of fans from Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Sheffield United and Southampton ahead of the new campaign
Manchester City: Jordan-Luke McDonald (@byJordanLuke)
Overall, it was a disappointing season for City given their standards in recent years, what factors would you put that down to?
Last season certainly was a disappointment overall, with City only managing to win the Carabao Cup. However, it is certainly worth acknowledging that if Guardiola’s side had progressed beyond Lyon to the Champions League final and gone on to overcome the Spaniard’s former club Bayern Munich in the final, then I think the majority of City fans would have been satisfied with their 2020 and rival fans would probably have admitted that the season wasn’t a total failure.
It’s those fine margins that make a huge difference in football and there are a few factors that contributed in that regard. Whilst undoubtedly one of the greatest managers of all time, Guardiola still has a knack for tinkering with his team and getting it wrong – such was the case against Lyon.
But beyond that, certain players not performing at their best possible level and individual mistakes had a huge role to play in City’s downturn last season. Pairing infrequent but costly defensive errors with an all too often lack of being clinical up front is an almost certain recipe for disaster.
Countless chances were squandered by City last year, whilst opposition teams were gifted chances that they took. Probably because they knew that they were unlikely to get many more. Of course, injuries certainly didn’t help the matter, but I wouldn’t say that they were a decisive element in the grand scheme of things.
Kevin De Bruyne was unplayable at times last season, winning Premier League player of the year. Do you think anyone comes close to him in his position and can he replicate that form this campaign?
On his day, Kevin De Bruyne is absolutely unstoppable. Last season, that was the case on many occasions and hence he deservedly (and finally!) won the PFA Player of the Year award.
At 29, he is at the peak of his career and it is an absolute privilege that he will be playing the best years of his football at the Etihad. I honestly think that when he is fully fit and on form, he is the best in the world in his position.
He is a complete midfielder who has thrived in the ‘free 8’ role afforded to him by Guardiola. Not only can he score long range thunderbolts and play sweeping cross field passes with ease, he also contributes massively on the defensive side, tracking back to make vital interceptions and tackles in the middle of the park, and then springing attacks of his own.
I have no doubt that he will be able to maintain his level and continue providing goals, assists and excellent performances in the upcoming season.
Would you say it’s a fair comment to say that they’ll be favourites for every competition next season, including the Champions League?
Their squad depth is incredible I think City are always the favourites for the domestic cup competitions and are always up there in consideration for the Premier League.
For the upcoming season, the league title is going to be even more difficult to win than before though, given that the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are looking strong and making good signings. The Champions League is a big one for the club. Guardiola wants it and City do too.
The good news is that the Citizens’ inability to win the Champions League in recent years has largely been an issue of mentality and tactical mistakes – both of which are within their control – as opposed to not possessing the required quality or depth. I think for that reason, City are oft considered amongst the favourites for the European competition.
With each passing year, it seems to be that more and more people are talking about City in relation to Champions League glory. Hopefully, next year could be the year.
What have you made of City’s signings so far in Ake and Torres? Who else would you like to see come in?
I am really happy with the two major signings that we have made so far. Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres are both young, high potential players that I think will fit in perfectly at City and really try and fight for their place in the starting eleven.
The amounts of money required to acquire them haven’t been ludicrous either – in fact, they seem very reasonable – and the deals got done fairly quickly which will have helped them settle in. Unfortunately, the one deal that is taking its time is probably the most important, but one that needs to be made: Kalidou Koulibaly.
Although Ake has been signed, City still need that marquee central defender with plenty of experience and world class ability to sure up their backline. Since Angelino has returned to RB Leipzig on loan, I think a top left back would be another welcome addition.
However, Joao Cancelo played well there towards the end of last season and Ake has been playing there on international duty recently, and City still have Benjamin Mendy, so perhaps a left back won’t be signed though.
What are your hopes/expectations for the 2020/21 season?
My expectations for next year would be to regain the Premier League title from Liverpool and go on to finally win the Champions League. However, a potential problem arises due to the fact that next season will see increased competition for the league title.
Consequently, City will most probably need to endure a marathon season against at least two or three other teams, which could have a knock-on effect in terms of energy and such towards the end of the season, meaning that City could once again falter in Europe.
A hope of mine, then, would be that Guardiola follows in the footsteps of Klopp and largely abandons pursuit of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in an attempt to focus more closely on league and European success. Under Guardiola, City have tried to win every trophy every year.
In contrast, such a strategy may not be ideal or even possible in 2020/21 because of the tightly packed, highly intense footballing schedule caused by the delay to the start of the calendar. In an ideal world, City would abandon the domestic cup competitions in favour of the league and Champions League, but ultimately I cannot see Guardiola doing so.
Manchester United: Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks)
Despite it ultimately being a trophy less season for United, they’re back in the Champions League after securing a top-four finish. Do you think every supporter would’ve taken that at the start of the season?
There is no doubt that a Champions League finish was the bare minimum requirement for the season. Saying that, where United sat in December many fans would have jumped at any chance to finish in the top four. Once Bruno Fernandes arrived, we saw a completely different side which has brought back some optimism to Old Trafford.
We were unlucky in the Europa League semi-finals, where United dominated throughout just could not tuck away our chances. The FA Cup semi-final loss against Chelsea was disappointing but overall, for a side which is in transition and suffered some big injuries a top-four finish was enough. For now…
David De Gea faces arguably the toughest test of his United career with Dean Henderson back at the club, how do you see that contest going?
Historically under Fergie, United had players challenging for positions across the park. David has been a standout player for us for several years but, you can not deny he has let his standards slip slightly in recent seasons.
David has known for years that he is the first name on the team sheet, perhaps that has made him slightly complacent which is why the errors have begun to creep into his game. With Henderson back at the club and providing stiff competition, De Gea will have to earn his spot not only by performing in games but by going up against Henderson in training. Competition for places brings the best out of players and if they fall to the challenge then maybe they don’t belong at Man United.
It appears unlikely at this stage that United will be signing Jadon Sancho. How frustrating is that and do you think United have enough to cope without him?
We have seen this movie 1000 times with United. We haggled over the Harry Maguire fee, we haggled over the Fernandes fee, only to go and put up even more money for them later on.
It is very frustrating that a club of our size with our financial muscle seems to drag their heels in the transfer market, especially when direct rivals Chelsea are doing their business quickly and efficiently.
United certainly need to strengthen upfront and that right-winger role has been vacant for some time. I believe that Jadon Sancho is a generational talent who would be perfect for our pacey forward line. The emergence of Mason Greenwood means United may just get away it if they don’t sign Sancho, but that means we only one or two injuries away from being in the same position we found ourselves in last season.
What have you made of United’s activity this summer so far and who would you like to see come in? How do you think Van De Beek will fit into the side?
The signing of Van de Beek is promising, he is young, hungry and wants to play for Man United, fitting into the type of player Ole is trying to bring into the club, it’s no longer about superstars coming in for a big pay day.
He is versatile, hard-working, he has an eye for goal, and he adds much-needed depth in midfield. A Bruno x Pogba x Donny midfield three would be ideal in breaking down teams defending in the low block, which is something we have struggled with in seasons gone by.
There are still, though, obvious weak spots still in the squad. A new left-back, center-back, right-winger, and perhaps even another striker could put us in the position to challenge City and Liverpool next season.
To me, Sancho should remain our top target although if he is unattainable someone like Kingsley Koman could be an alternative.
The links to Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilón, who shone on loan at Sevilla, are promising and he would be a quality addition. As would center-back Dayot Upamecano who had an outstanding season for RB Leipzig in Germany and in the Champions League.
All those options fit the bill in terms of what profile of player Solskjaer is looking for and would improve the squad in areas which have been vulnerable.
What are your hopes/expectations for the 2020/21 season?
To be frank, it is difficult to manage expectation and hopes for next season while we still clearly have lots of business to be done.
Should we sign the right players it will be hard not to expect to challenge on all fronts. I can use Chelsea as an example, with the signings they have made expectations will be sky high ahead of the season, hopefully we can follow suit.
If we don’t strength as we need to, I’m afraid another season of inconsistencies and false dawns is in store for United where a top 4 finish will again become the target for the season.
Newcastle United: Nathan (@NUFCNathan)
Steve Bruce’s appointment wasn’t exactly popular last season but just how good a job did he do last year?
He came in at the start of the season on the back of Rafa Benitez, who was like a god up here, so he had big boots to fill.
After a bad start to the season, including that 3-1 loss to Norwich the fans quickly started to lower expectations. Especially in that Norwich game he switched Jetro Willems to a position he didn't understand which led to the squad being disorganised, which was a common theme across the season.
For the players he had available, especially with Joelinton, who scored two, up front it was always going to be difficult but the games we played were boring, slow football that we mostly had 10 or 9 men behind the ball at all times and hoped for one counter that leads to a goal.
A perfect example of that was the Spurs away game where we soaked up the pressure so much and only had about 2 clear cut chances, one which Joelinton scored.
It appeared as if he let the players do what they want the majority of the time which led to a lot of people believing he is not at all tactical, I don't know if it was us not being ready to change from Rafa or if it was Steve Bruce's fault but in my opinion he didn't do well and I wouldn't oppose a new manager coming in.
How disappointing was it to see the takeover fail earlier this summer and how successful could the club be with more investment?
Yes, absolutely it was very disappointing, however the reason we wanted the takeover is not for the reason most fans thought.
They thought we were expecting big money signings and league titles but that's not at all what we wanted. The North East is very deprived in areas and the takeover promised to introduce investment to help those areas meaning the area can improve, not just the squad.
There's lots of families who can't afford to eat up here and the takeover promised investment into that, and to help the food bank, which is a wonderful organisation up here. I think other fans of other clubs get too attached to the squad and the club and they forget about where the club is, and the surrounding areas, cause a takeover helps that as well.
Another reason we wanted the takeover was to upgrade the infrastructure, including the training ground which hasn't changed much since it was built, and the stadium which is starting to wear away in parts.
The reason for the deal falling through is disgusting in my opinion because the premier league purposely let the time run down until someone got frustrated, which happened. They care too much about the money instead of thinking of the positives, not just in transfers, that it could've brought. There is still hope of it being revived without PIF though so let's hope that happens.
What have you made of Newcastle’s transfer business? Are Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser signs of a potentially more attacking Magpies side?
Newcastle have really done well this transfer window, we bought in Callum Wilson who is a Premier League proven goalscorer which is a massive upgrade on what we have at them moment.
Along with that Ryan Fraser is a very good signing for us as he and Wilson were really good mates at Bournemouth and really good at linking up. If you add that to Almiron and Saint Maximin, there's not that many better front 4s in the league to be honest.
I think the signings of Gillespie and Hendrick were great additions and Hendrick looks like a very good experienced player who can improve the team. Gillespie looks like a great signing for the future perhaps with Dubravka injured Jr might get a chance in the starting 11.
Jamal Lewis was a great signing from Norwich as well for only 15 million, he can only get better as he's 22 years old and can drastically improve our left flank. Him and Maxi will be a very good flank and one to watch for the new season Overall I think our transfer business has been very good so far and I hope that we can bring in one more CB and we are looking towards a positive season.
How much will they help Allan Saint-Maximin as well? His stats might not have reflected it last year but just how good is he?
ASM will be a key member of our team next year but we might potentially not be as reliant on him with Fraser and Wilson’s partnership being a new part of the team. They contributed 56 goals to Bournemouth in their last 2 years and in that time Newcastle only scored 80.
So ASM will definitely be our best player, but we won’t be as dependent on him. He brought a new level to the team last season, his dribbling is on another level. Him against Bournemouth was him at his best, he tore through the team that day. There was a start last season where we only won like once or twice without maxi In the team so he is crucial for our team.
If you look at the right stats he can look amazing and others not so much but he is very unselfish and has been lacked of goals and assists by his teammates. HE created many chances that were wasted and with new additions we should see less of that.
What are your expectations for the 2020/21 campaign?
Newcastle should realistically be fighting for a top half place with the new signings plugging major problem areas in the squad with proven PL players.
Also, we will have an advantage on teams next year as the market hasn’t been as active due to the financial hit on the market from the virus, with the only team around us that made multiple important signings being Everton, who we only finished 2 points behind last season.
I think relegation isn't going to be a problem as we finished 13th with Joelinton up front and without a good LW, this means that since we have changes those positions it is very possible we can push for top half, maybe even Europe.
Sheffield United: Jamie Fletcher (@FletchRadio)
What a return to the top flight it was for the Blades, how much did you enjoy last season?
From a footballing point of view it was great. Some memorable moments both home and away. It was great proving some of the so called experts wrong (although that wasn't difficult considering how lazy some of the views were in pre season!) I think while many United fans were confident we could stay up - we would have snapped anyone's hands off who had offered 17th.
The season exceeded all expectations. To genuinely have still been in the race for Europe so late on was bonkers. But it wasn't a fluke. We were told our "basic" way of playing would be found out. We had been told that for years! There were so many brilliant memories from the first six months.
Then came March.
We'll never really know how it would have panned out had the season not been interrupted. I'm sure I'm not alone in imagining the scenes at Bramall Lane had we been there for the wins against Spurs, Chelsea and especially the injury time winner against Wolves. I suspect my voice would only just be coming back now. I hope we're allowed back soon!
How do the squad now go about avoiding “second season syndrome?” Do they need to alter their style of play and just stick to the way in which they’d won promotion under Chris Wilder?
I think Sheffield United fans will trust Chris Wilder to know what tweaks, if any, are needed. Everyone is a football manager at times & think they know best. But his record with us since League One speaks for itself.
He really DOES know best. I don't think it's in his nature to try and play for a point. He won't want us to fear anyone & while he may continue to tweak the system - I still expect our Centre Backs to overlap our wingbacks.
I still expect us to be on the front foot and try to win games. It's how he's been since he arrived in those dark days of us accepting being bang average in the third tier to now giving us genuine hope. We had a fantastic defence last season - I think it's widely accepted we need to score more goals and be more clinical.
The biggest change this season for Sheffield United is in goal with Dean Henderson going back to Manchester United and Aaron Ramsdale returning to the club from Bournemouth, do you think Ramsdale was the right choice for the number one spot?
Dean Henderson will play for England. He will be Manchester United's number one. I'm biased but I think he's better than Pickford already. He should be the number one now (But then Jack O'Connell should be in the England squad too!). It was a genuine privilege to be able to watch him in the two years he was with us.
We were very lucky to have him but we were also good for him. I think as much as we would have loved him for a third year - the time was coming to an end and it's right we have our own keeper.
Aaron Ramsdale knows the club and was one of the players Wilder had no choice but to let go in those dark League One days for financial reasons. He's not Dean Henderson and it would be dangerous to compare them. Some fans will.
But Ramsdale is now our number one, he's got Premier League experience and has a solid defence in front of him. I'm pleased we now have a keeper that is our own, knows the place and yes, had plenty of ability.
What other business would you like to see? What areas do you think need strengthening?
I think we'll still bring another one or two in - and there's no secret we need a striker. We've recruited quite well over the summer. Not panicked into paying silly fees like some other clubs - and have genuine competition in many areas of the pitch.
We're not top end of the Premier League so I often laugh at some of the names a few of our supporters suggest we go for on message boards. Brewster at Liverpool seems to be the name that keeps being linked with us. That would be amazing. But half the division are also being linked with him.
Wouldn't surprise me if Wilder has another lined up though. Often makes a mockery of some of the "in the knows" by signing players that have never been linked in the press - keeping things under the radar. But yes, we do need another option at the top end of the pitch.
What are your hopes/expectations for the 2020/21 season?
I'm sure all football fans will agree that the big hope is we can see some of the season in person. I also hope when the world is normal again some bright spark doesn't think we should keep 6pm weekday kick off times. Utterly hate them!! From a United point of view I really don't know what to expect.
I'd again take just staying up - but there's a reason Chris Wilder is a fantastic football manager and I'm not. He won't settle for just 17th and will want to be progressive.
Whether that means we can knock on the door of Europe again or not I'm not sure. I'm a realist. But you have to keep moving forward. So my waffly way of answering - Hope: for a european push. Expectation: mid table/safety.
Southampton: @SaintsfcViews
Like every Saints fan, I’m sure you’ve heard enough about the 9-0 but just how remarkable was the turnaround after that match against Leicester?
I can’t sugarcoat it, it was a horrific game for everyone who loves the club. It was just relentless - a complete mismatch & a low point in our 135 year existence.
The biggest shame in all of this is that the 9-0 will be remembered, not us beating them 2-1 away just a few months later - which from a football and psychological perspective is just incredible.
Our first game after the international break if when I remember things turning around for the better - narrowly missing out on a win at Arsenal after Lacazette equalised in the sixth minute of stoppage.
That night I saw spirit, character and enough quality in our football to hope we could turn things around.
Danny Ings had the best season of his career last season, is it fair to say Saints’ aspirations this season and down to him staying fit or do you see the likes of Adams and Armstrong stepping up with more goal contributions?
Deservedly, Danny Ings takes the plaudits for last years success. 22 Premier League goals, 25 in all competitions is just terrific.
What makes it doubly special is that Danny did that for a mid table team - without £50m+ playmakers around him. He’s the spearhead in our system, and would be a big loss if he picked up a serious injury. We’re a tiny club in a big league, and losing our most prolific player would hurt us dearly.
Away from Danny Ings, every Southampton fan is desperate to see Che Adams have a brilliant 2020/21 season. With 20+ goals for Birmingham in 2018/19, there's no doubt he’s a talented player, but for one reason or another it just didn’t click for him last year.
But after not scoring all season, Che finished the season with 4 goals in his last 6 - which gave fans a glimpse of why we paid £15m+ for him. Big season for Che this year, and every Southampton fan is behind him to do the business.
How big a loss will Hojbjerg be in the Saints midfield? How do you go about replacing him?
For context for non-Southampton fans Saints play a 4-2-2-2 under Hasenhuttl, and Hojbjerg was one of the double pivots, playing behind Ward-Prowse. Last year he made 510 ‘ball recoveries’ - the most in the premier league.
He was brilliant at doing the job that he was asked to do - aggressively pressing, mopping up loose balls, one-on-one defending and hunting down counter attacks. In that sense you would think Southampton would miss him big time.
However Pierre was often caught square, diving into tackles and squandering attacking opportunities by trying to score from long range. Initially I thought we would really miss Hojbjerg, but after the restart he rarely featured, and we were one of the best teams in the league.
Time will tell, he’s a talented player, but I think there are a lot of players out there who could fill the void.
What have you made of the Saints transfer business so far this summer? What other areas would you like to see strengthened?
So far Southampton have bought in two players. Kyle Walker-Peters from Tottenham and a 21-year-old centre-back from Real Valladolid called Mohammed Salisu.
I'm very happy with KWP who joined us last year on loan, and was very impressive both going forward and defensively. He’s young, with a lot of potential who will be pivotal for us this season. Less is known about the young Ghanaian Salisu. He was named of La-Liga’s ‘rising stars’ last year who cited his enviable physicality (standing at 6ft 2) and the way he he reads the game.
It’s a typical Southampton signing - a relatively unknown youngster with a lot of potential. Fans are excited to see what he can add, but at 21, it could be more of a ‘long-term signing’. Looking forward, I would love to see the club remain active in the window, but behind the scenes there are a few issues that could prevent that from happening.
Southampton have an owner - Gao Jisheng who is unwilling and maybe unable to invest in the playing squad, which means we have to generate money before being able to sign new players - our owner wants the club to be self-sustainable. On top of this, the current political landscape in China doesn’t help us. Newly implemented Chinese legislation basically limits/controls how much money is being invested/moved overseas.
So, with this in mind it makes is VERY hard for Southampton to compete financially in this league. However, answering your question if there was a open chequebook, I would like the club to invest in a new centre-midfielder (Hojbjerg replacement), and a winger who knows where the back of the net is,
What are your hopes/expectations for the 2020/21 season?
Consistency and a top half finish. Simple!
Comments