Leicester continue to edge to the most unlikely title win in living memory, but this summer could bring the Foxes crashing back down to ground.

Claudio Ranieri has carried on Nigel Pearson’s work and led Leicester to the position of title favourites, despite taking over a club that just about scraped away from relegation in 2014/15.

No one has really managed to explain how the Foxes have performed such an unprecedented turn around, yet it has given the squad members a chance to move their career on several notches.

The trouble with success, as Southampton found a couple of years ago, is it ups your profile. Profiles of Leicester players are now flying through the roof and we could be about to see the Foxes lose the spine of their side, hardly a reward for such an astonishing season.

The players might see this season as their breakthrough to the big time and, typically, the chance to double their wage packet.

Here we have FIVE Leicester stars would will be on their way out…

Kasper Schmeichel

Yet to quite reach the levels of his father, Kasper Schmeichel has managed to develop a career whilst constantly being referenced as the son of Peter.

Kasper, son of Peter, Schmeichel, has given some crucial performances of late and will have impressed the decision makers at Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool, who will all be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer.

Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy has had his party and he loved it.

The controversial striker has seen his goal return dip in the second half of the campaign, as Leicester have had to rely on other areas of the team to provide their goals.

Vardy, despite his age, will be a target for many of Europe’s biggest clubs. Any goal scorer who is that prolific draws attention and Vardy’s direct running, powerful shooting and cheetah-like pace make him an ideal option in a squad.

Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez has been linked with Barcelona already this season and the playmaker will be plastered across every ‘rumour mill’ section across Europe by the time June comes around.

No players has scored and assisted as many goals as Mahrez has in this Premier League season and the midfield man will surely win player of the season if Leicester go on to win the title.

Creativity is always in demand and a midfielder who can produce over ten goals a season will gain interest from sides around Europe.

N’Golo Kante

Aptly assisted by his midfield partner, Danny Drinkwater, Ngolo Kante has dominated game after game.

The midfielder was a relative unknown when Leicester signed him last summer, but he has now seen his game compared to Claude Makelele and various other midfield icons.

Kante is a terrier out of possession and a safe pair of feet with the ball, his simple passing allows Drinkwater to spread the play and unleash Mahrez or Vardy.

Every club needs a defensive midfielder of Kante’s calibre and the biggest sides in Europe are in dire need of midfield reinforcements. Real Madrid are still without a genuine defensive midfield player, whilst Manchester United are likely to be linked with every player under the sun once more.

Jeffrey Schlupp

Schlupp hasn’t been a regular for the majority of Leicester’s campaign, but the pacey left-back is sure to be in demand this summer.

Christian Fuchs has made the left-back berth his own, yet Schlupp has become a common plan B option for the Foxes.

Eventually, the Newcastle board put poor old Steve McClaren out of his misery.

However, the way it was done did leave a bad taste in the mouth, but it seems to be the way of things in football these days.

The anticipated arrival of Rafa Benitez wasn’t long in being announced and suddenly the Spaniard was smiling and holding the black and white stripes of the Magpies shirt in his money-grabbing hands.

It is all about the cash of course. He was out of work after being sacked by Real Madrid and he could see a payday, albeit for a few weeks. The actual intent to help Newcastle can be questioned as long as there remains the inevitable escape clause in his contract. He doesn’t want his name stained with relegation and should Newcastle go down, he will be the first to tell everyone that he tried, but it was too late. Bank on it.

The rot is setting in, if it hasn’t already, and the problem with rot is that decays the structure and continues to work its way through until there’s not much left.

With Newcastle, McClaren tried to mould a team whilst attempting to deal with the mob ‘upstairs’. He couldn’t do it and the forlorn figure ambled away from club. The rot was setting in, but can Rafa be the cure?

Club legend Alan Shearer told BBC Sport (via the Guardian): “I think it’s a good coup for Newcastle. I’m surprised, when you consider how much success he’s had and the clubs he’s been at.” When asked whether Benitez had taken on the biggest test of his career, Shearer said: “Yes, to put it bluntly. It’s a very tough challenge for him, he’s never been in a relegation battle before. He’s always managed top players and been very successful at doing that, but I think it’s an excellent appointment.”

Backed by a legend, and looked at by supporters as a possible saviour, Benitez has his work cut out. With just eight games left, he needs to start weaving some magic and his first two games have had pundits split. On one side some are saying that Newcastle are really no better, whilst others feel that there has been an improvement. The only thing that matters is points, not opinions.

Sitting second from bottom and three points away from safety, Newcastle’s season is far from over, but their run-in to the end of the season is no easy task. The next game at fellow strugglers Norwich is going to be absolutely pivotal and enthralling for the neutral.

The new manager looks a bit of a novice when it comes to life at the bottom. Not so, said the 55-year-old. “I’ve heard I’m not used to relegation battles, but I’m a coach from the [Spanish] third and second divisions originally so I have some experience.”

Moreover the difference between chasing silverware and avoiding the Championship is not as vast as it might seem. “People say it’s not the same, but I think it is,” said the coach who led Liverpool to Champions League glory. “You have to approach the games the same, you have to be calm, you don’t want to make mistakes.”

With a loss to Leicester and two dropped points at home to rivals Sunderland, some are suggesting that the Black Cats are better placed to survive. With the wily old fox Sam Allardyce, the red and white striped Wearsiders have a manager many would choose in their situation, plus they have a constant striking threat in Jermain Defoe. Newcastle do not seem to have that same presence and that could be the difference.

Sunderland also have the set-piece threat of Wahbi Khazri, the player that nearly scored against West Ham recently and whose deliveries on Sunday caused the Magpies’ defence problems and alarm.

But Newcastle, whilst looking to attack through Jonjo Shelvey, just couldn’t drive forward, as passes went to the flanks instead for the likes of Andros Townsend to have the freedom to cut inside. Despite playing better, and statistically Newcastle are better in passes and attacking than under McClaren, the visitors on Sunday still had the edge.

Norwich’s win on Saturday didn’t help the cause either and if they put a run together, then Newcastle really will be in trouble.

Alan Shearer was quoted in the Mirror as saying “Rafa Benitez is a good manager — but he is not a magician. And Newcastle’s performance yesterday proved just how tough a job he has on his hands.”

“It is very difficult for a manager to go in and suddenly make players dramatically improve. Newcastle’s problems defensively and up front are not going to disappear overnight.”

“So I’ve not seen anything yet that stops me worrying about the prospect of my old team being relegated.”

Rafa needs to work his magic and quickly if he is to become a hero on Tyneside.

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There is nothing like an impressive performance at a World Cup or a European Championship to truly introduce yourself to the football world and the ever-watchful eyes of scouts from some of Europe’s elite clubs.

Granted, signing players off the back of an impressive four or five games can be a risk (Andrey Arshavin, anyone?). However, it can often bring to light some of the brightest talent from the far reaches of the continent.

There will undoubtedly be a host of scouts from Premier League teams watching the EUROs, looking for the next breakthrough star to showcase their talents, including representatives from Spurs. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be looking to strengthen and capitalise on an impressive season in 2015/16, after all.

Here are the FIVE unknown players set to feature at EURO 2016, who Spurs should look to sign…

Rafa Silva – Portugal

“My client sees with very clear vision the possibility of the Premier League. We are working towards this objective.”

The words of Rafa Silva’s agent to the press over recent days have left many clubs in England eager to watch the Portuguese star perform in France this summer.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder plies his trade for Braga but is considered one of the brightest stars in Portugal.

Silva would provide perfect cover for Spurs’ superb attacking midfielders, as his terrific pace and stamina will suit the Tottenham system excellently.

Breel Embolo – Switzerland

There is perhaps no young star more saught after at this summer’s European Championship than Switzerland striker Breel Embolo.

The 19-year-old would be an ideal target for Spurs who are in the market for competent back-up to Harry Kane, who spent almost the entire season leading the Spurs line, without a break.

The true test for Embolo may be the pressure he will undoubtedly face should his country underperform. Handle the responsibilty with ease and he could be in high demand this summer.

Ante Coric – Croatia

One of the most revered young talents that Croatia have produced for some time, many experts in Ante Coric’s home nation are comparing him to David Silva.

The 19-year-old, currently at hometown club Dinamo Zagreb has been noticed by scouts from Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, who all expressed an interest.

With just two international caps to his name, Coric may not grab much playing time for Croatia this summer. However, expect to see a host of big names make a move form the young star should he impress in his limited stints on the field.

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Ondrej Duda – Slovakia

At just 21, Ondrej Duda is the youngest player in a Slovakia squad that includes plenty of veterans.

However, the young midfielder has impressed immensely during his 11 caps and is touted as a future replacement for Slovakia’s star man, Marek Hamsik.

The tall, graceful midfielder commands a similar role to that of Mousa Dembele and would provide astute cover in a talented Spurs midfield.

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Alexsandr Golovin – Russia

The bright spark in a Russia team in the midst of a transitional period, Alexander Golovin has attracted interest from all over Europe.

His perofrmances at international level have been superb and the 20-year-old may well earn a starting place in the tournament, despite being the youngest player in the Russia squad.

A raw talent in need of some tactical improvements, Golovin could flourish under Pochettino at Spurs.

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Celtic legend Tommy Gemmell has set out the task that faces new manager Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

The Lisbon Lion believes that the Northern Irishman must qualify for the Champions League group stages this season in order to make a good first impression at the club.

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Talking to the Scottish Sun, the 72 year old said:

“Failure to qualify for the Champions League in two consecutive years just wasn’t acceptable. And when you look at the calibre of the two teams who scuppered their chances — Maribor and Malmo — it just shows there is much work for Rodgers to do. Rodgers won’t need me to tell him this, but is absolutely imperative to make certain Celtic don’t fail for a third season.”

Gemmell says that failure to qualify would be an awful way for the new manager to start his reign at the Scottish club, but he is confident that, like Celtic great Jock Stein, he will change the mentality of the squad and set new levels of expectations:

“That would be a dreadful way to start his career… It was the great Jock Stein who turned everything on its head at the club of course. When he walked through the Parkhead door in March 1965 everything changed… He pointed us in the right direction and you feel Rodgers has been left with the same task. Brendan Rodgers needs to hit the ground running — and a place in the Champions League has got to be a priority.”

In what will be a baptism of fire for the new manager, Rodgers will have his first competitive matches of the season in Champions League qualifiers in mid-July.

He will need to assess the players he has got, and bring in the coaching and playing staff he wants in the space of six weeks and set out a team that can also make its way through the qualifying rounds.

We will have to wait and see if the new boss can live up to Gemmell’s expectations.

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Football is one big learning curve and unfortunately for some of the bigger sides in the world, lessons that haven’t been learnt as quickly as they could can cost jobs.

Whether it’s a manger whose philosophy hasn’t gone down well with his players, or a striker who just isn’t doing his job and scoring bags of goals- there are always lessons to learn on the turf.

And this takes us to Manchester United- one of the biggest football merchandises in the world. Whilst they have the money, power and size- they’re far from perfect, as we’ve seen over the past couple of years.

Meanwhile, their close neighbours Manchester City are setting the benchmark for some new practises in modern-day football that United really could look to in the wake of the upcoming season.

Sorry United fans, but’ here are FIVE things you could learn from Manchester City…

Creating a modern-day brand

Whilst Manchester United have a long-lasting legacy primarily laid down during the Fergie years, everything about Manchester City’s way of marketing themselves seems up-to-date and modern.

Love it or loathe it, City provide a proper matchday experience. There is always tons to do around the stadium before kick-off and everything about how they ensure you enjoy a matchday seems more intact with the modern-day world than United.

Building an academy

Since the club was taken over in September 2008, the extra income has really allowed City to expand their successful academy further afield.

The Platt Lane complex has undergone massive improvements and City’s youngsters enjoy the very best facilities available to them in the country.

We saw just how many good academy players City have when Manuel Pellegrini elected to start a handful of them in an Cup game against Chelsea last season- showing just how important the academy is at the club.

The Women’s team

A bit like the mens team, a lot of money has been invested into the Manchester City ladies team- to a level United just cannot match.

City boast a whole wealth of English talent in their books, with the likes of Karen Bardesly, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott all playing at City next season.

United in the meanwhile haven’t done half as much to support and promote a ladies team in this manner.

Being brave with investment

Whilst we all moan about Manchester City’s ability to dominate the market due to the funding they receive, we all secretly wish our own clubs had that sort of money sloshing around.

And credit Man City’s owners- they’ve not been afraid to break the bank in order to bring home success- a little more so than the Glazers perhaps.

Not all signings have worked out, but when you’re willing to continually reinvest, they don’t all have to.

How to have non-meddling owners

Again, another example of how United’s chiefs should be looking at the City hierarchy.

With expectations so high at the Etihad these days, any manager in the Manchester City hotseat is expected to bring home performances and most importantly, silverware.

Yet in the Blue side of the City, we rarely hear anything to suggest the owners meddle in the day-to-day running of the club, nor do they take money from the profits to line their own pockets- both things we’ve seen at United over the past two decades.

FC United of Manchester, a phoenix club born out of the frustrations of former United fans show just how disillusioned some are with the Old Trafford hierarchy.

If there’s anything the start of this Premier League campaign has taught us, it’s that we’re in for a season of surprise.Whilst the top of the table has leveled out pretty predictably with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United occupying the top three places, it’s the side sat in fifth that have surprised everyone thus far.Hull City, whom everyone thought would implode after the departure of Steve Bruce have kicked on and used the bad press to their advantage. They’ve had solid wins against Leicester City and Swansea City and are through to the third round of the cup too – pretty good for a side who were written off from the get go.And one of the most impressive signings they’ve made this summer is Will Keane, who they’ve managed to bring in from Manchester United. He was once one of the most highly rated players in their academy but it just hasn’t happened for him at Old Trafford, and he will hope to kick on at the KCOM Stadium.Many Tigers’ supporters believe he could be the man to carry on their impressive charge, and we think we agree too.So with that in mind, here’s three reasons Will Keane can be successful at Hull City…

At youth level, he was one of the best

As youth players go, Will Keane really was one of the best United have ever seen. Whilst development squad and reserve squad football is often overlooked, many United fans can recall Keane’s hat-trick in the semi-final of the 2011 Youth Cup. He bagged three against Chelsea at Old Trafford and United eventually went on to win the trophy. Many supporters cite that moment as the best of the of the tournament.

The next season, he scored four in a game against Newcastle United, showing the goals are there – Hull just need to find a way of getting them out of him.

He was once better than Paul Pogba

Manchester United’s new super-star signing Paul Pogba played with Keane during their youth years together, but it was the Englishman that grabbed the headlines. Whilst Paul Pogba was always a constant driving force in the middle of the park, it was always Keane who scored the goals.

He outshone the likes of Ravel Morrison back in those days too, and there’s real feeling that he’s going to be a late bloomer. Whilst it’s more novelty than modern-day truth, Will Keane was once looked more favorably upon than Paul Pogba.

He has a point to prove

A knee ligament injury suffered whilst he was on England U-19 duty in June 2012 ground his career to a rather abrupt halt. Up until then, everything had been going well for Keane but this was the most cruel of lessons to learn.

He’d made his first-team debut six months before but after that only loan stints and reserve team action ensued, and that now brings us to today. If there is anyone who left United with a point to prove it’s Will Keane, and there are many hoping he’ll have success at the KCOM Stadium.

Arsenal’s history as slow starters to a season is one of the Premier League’s much-travelled tales. The inevitable pressure on Arsene Wenger by October will be released with a string of good results before an early slump at the beginning of the new year. But by then the club will have done just about enough to avoid the disastrous consequences of finishing outside the top four.

Each year there are hopes that the season will have a different pattern. Maybe 2016/17 could see Arsenal right some of their previous wrongs – the summer suggests they could have learnt their lessons, finally. The signings of Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez reflect an awareness of the squad’s weaknesses, which is a welcome change. Along with Granit Xhaka, Arsenal have spent, and spent well.

Wenger is reaching his swansong. We are yet to know when he will eventually lay down his clipboard, hang up his red tie or, for the less euphemism-inclined, retire. Whether his finale or not, Wenger must not make the same mistakes in selection, particularly with his midfield.

He has a fair few options…

Xhaka-Ramsey-Ozil

To keep Mesut Ozil in his favoured, most influential, number 10 role, Arsenal need to have cover behind him. Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey should, in theory, provide it as a pairing. Xhaka can control the tempo, tackle and protect the defence, while Ramsey gives the energy, goals and link-up play required from a box-to-box midfielder.

This should be the first choice option for Arsenal, giving them the best of their three supreme midfielders. Xhaka’s role as a deep-lying creator will help in the initial build-up of play and Ramsey’s runs beyond avoid the static midfield that Arsenal have suffered with in the past.

Xhaka-Ramsey-Cazorla

Alternatively, Ozil can either be rested or slotted into a wide playmaker role from the right. This gives Ramsey greater freedom, by taking the defensive shackles off, but the deeper pairing of Cazorla and Xhaka would lack mobility against teams looking to break quickly.

Ramsey’s engine would have to compensate for Cazorla’s shortcomings, although the benefits of this system are in possession. When looking to break down an attack, this would see two players capable of direct passes between the lines to find Alexis Sanchez or Ozil in the space in front of the defence.

Arsenal will need to find a way to create without central, and this could be it.

Elneny-Xhaka-Ozil

Similar to the first suggested option, Elneny can play as a Ramsey replacement. The Egyptian is not the same player in the final third, although his defensive awareness and reading of the game could make this a realistic option. In challenging fixtures, particularly away from home, this could be used or Ramsey could slot in as the third midfielder with Ozil playing from the right.

Wenger has previously left his side too exposed in the bigger games, selecting midfield pairings that cannot screen the defence against teams with greater attacking quality. The majority of Arsenal’s direct Premier League rivals will have three central midfielders, making a two-man option a severe risk for Wenger. He cannot risk being overrun and using Ozil in a marginally less effective wide role may be the best solution.

Arsenal now have all the components throughout their squad to win the title, but the management of a gifted midfield will be a determining factor in their campaign.

After such an impressive debut season in charge of West Ham, naturally expectations of Slaven Bilic were going to be raised by pundits and fans of the club as they entered this campaign.

Add the fact they were collecting the keys to what was previously known as The Olympic Stadium, the outlook looked rosy for the Hammers; only their bubble was well and truly burst after a start that saw them nestled in the bottom three of the Premier League table.

It was even a run of form that had some quarters calling for Bilic’s head. A move which would have been incredibly harsh on the former Croatia boss. Thankfully for Bilic, his head didn’t get close to the chopping block and he’s still in charge today.

It’s that patience from co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan that is now being rewarded as the club seem to have got out of their early season fur by recording three wins in a row across all competitions.

In the early weeks of the season, after heavy defeats to Watford, West Brom and Southampton, a lot was made about their move from Upton Park.

But let’s not forget their form on the road was not much better as they were soundly beaten by West Brom at The Hawthorns. That win also resulted in the first time that The Baggies had ever scored four under Pulis’ stewardship.

As the bulk of West Ham’s squad departed for the international break, it gave Bilic the chance to try and identify where the team went wrong in their opening seven league matches.

They certainly haven’t had luck when it comes to injuries, with the treatment room at full capacity in the opening months of the campaign. Aaron Cresswell’s absence was arguably the most telling as the Hammers’ defending has been nothing short of shambolic at times.

That, added to a team low in confidence playing in new surroundings, and it’s quite apparent that this was a a side struggling for results; this was a team that needed to roll up it’s sleeves if it was going to get anywhere near the heights of last season.

With the international break behind them, a short trip to Crystal Palace loomed and although the game’s only goal from Manuel Lanzini was well executed, it was grit and a slice of luck which saw them pick up their first away league win of the season.

It may not have been the prettiest win but it was exactly the result they needed. It’s amazing what a win can do to lift the mood around the football club and with Sunderland up next, there was a perfect opportunity to build some momentum.

They may have left it late, very late to be precise, but they consigned David Moyes’ side to a heartbreak defeat thanks to Winston Reid’s 94th minute winner. Harsh on Sunderland, but that win now takes the Hammers tho the heady heights of 15th in the table.

More importantly, it was a win in their London Stadium, a result that begins to get that monkey off their back. Fast forward another three days and a win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup in front of their own fans means we now must stop referencing the stadium as a factor in West Ham’s performances.

The shackles are now off in terms of playing in their new home and with this new found confidence, they should be able to flourish, it may have taken longer than expected but this club are finally starting to find their stride.

It’s a shame that matters off the pitch overshadowed their win over Chelsea on Wednesday but that shouldn’t take anything anyway from their performance as The Blues were brought back down to Earth after beating Manchester United 4-0 last Sunday.

There is still a lot of work to do for West Ham, especially if they are to get anywhere close to last season’s successes, but these last few weeks have been a massive step in the right direction.

No more talk about the stadium, let’s just talk about the football.

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Four key questions Mourinho has to answer before United face Liverpool

The North West derby is fast approaching, and although Monday night is an unfamiliar time for a game of the magnitude of Manchester United’s trip to Merseyside, a kick off under the Anfield lights will surely add spice and verve to an already mouth-watering fixture.

The beauty of this Premier League season is that, so far, we have absolutely no idea who will win the league, and although one or two teams are standing out as more impressive than others, it’s clear that this will probably end up being one of the most open seasons in recent years.

Liverpool and Manchester United’s rivalry has always been based on the fact that both clubs have at least some claim to being the most successful club in England. But this season is one of the few in modern times where, after a period of decline, both clubs are perhaps battling each other not just for geographical supremacy, but for the chance to march on to a league title.

The fact this is a Premier League game being played on a Monday night tells you something about the recent successes of both clubs compared to what they once were, but this is a battle between two of the foremost teams in the land managed by two of the foremost coaches in the league: this will be as interesting a tactical battle as it it will be a derby day slog.

Jurgen Klopp will pose Jose Mourinho some big tactical problems – and here are four key questions Jose Mourinho will have to answer before Monday night….

How to find the comfort zone?

The most impressive thing about Liverpool this season isn’t flowing attacking play or an excellent defence (though they do have one of those things…), it’s the intensity and energy to their high press. They work together as a team, closing down the man on the ball before he gets the chance to settle, and they’ll look to unsettle United when they get on the ball.

Mourinho will need his team to get comfortable on the ball quickly and not get rattled by Liverpool’s pressing, especially at the back, otherwise they could be in for a rough night.

To break or not to break?

Jose Mourinho’s gameplan is so often to sit deep, soak up the pressure and identify weaknesses his team can exploit in the opposition, especially on the break.

That could well turn out to be a solid gameplan away from home against Liverpool, given their inability to break down Burnley earlier this season shows they are vulnerable to a well-organised defence and quick counter attacks.

But this could have its drawbacks, too – as we’ll see in the next two headaches:

Who should start in midfield?

Liverpool’s high pressing game will make it imperative that United find the right balance in midfield. There will be times when United have the ball in fairly uncomfortable situations, and Liverpool’s pressing will be an issue if players aren’t comfortable on the ball.

In that respect, the likes of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera could be favoured by United as they’re the kind of players who will still be able to pick passes, even under intense pressure. It could also be a blessing in disguise as a midfield three of Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba might help to get the most out of Pogba when United do get the chance to attack.

Who should start in the forward line?

If that 4-3-3 does happen, then Jose Mourinho will need to think deeply about what kind of forward line can do Liverpool the most damage. We’ve seen Liverpool try to play out from the back numerous times this season, and against Leicester City they gave up a goal from some sloppy passing around their own box. We’ve also seen how vulnerable they can be to direct attacks through the middle and counter attacks.

With that in mind, will Mourinho be gutsy and start the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to provide pace and a pressing threat of their own? Especially given the lack of mobility you get from Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front? Or will he look to load up his physical presence by playing Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba in advanced roles in the midfield with Juan Mata or even Wayne Rooney placed in the creative role in behind Ibrahimovic?

When a team like Watford are sitting higher in the table than Manchester United, something has to be fixed and fast. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has no goals in six Premier League starts for the Reds and deserves a place on the United bench until his form drastically changes.

Why is Ibrahimovic’s recent run of form going under the radar of the mainstream media? If Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa or Harry Kane had a barren run lasting close to two months, the national press would be outraged.

Ibrahimovic’s last league goal came when the Swede scored a consolation in United’s defeat to Manchester City. As United currently struggle to find goals at crucial moments, Mourinho needs to consider dropping his talisman and provide a chance for the more youthful members of his squad.

For example, why is Marcus Rashford is being used in a wider role up-front? The forward is being played out of position despite scoring the most goals for United in 2016. Surely at this stage, Ibrahimovic should be accommodating the England forward, and not the other way around.

It was just a few short weeks ago that Wayne Rooney was cast out and forced to watch from the bench as results were poor. Leaving Rooney out of the side has made little impact on results while keeping Zlatan in the team has produced even less of a positive impact on the Red Devils fortunes.

The top three in the Premier League have all registered a minimum of 23 goals whilst United have just 13. Seven of those goals were recorded in the opening four weeks of the campaign, and the remaining six have come since the derby defeat to City almost two months ago. Furthering highlight the necessity to drop the former PSG striker.

The Swede has registered a total of 42 shots on goal since last scoring in the derby on September 10th, which is more than any other Premier League striker has recorded all season.

During October, United scored just one league goal throughout the month. Anthony Martial’s strike against Stoke did at least help to earn a point in the end; his contribution was greater in ten minutes than Zlatan’s in nearly eight weeks.

What was Mourinho’s gratitude towards Martial? The striker was dropped once again for the out of form Swede in the very next game. It defies logic how the 34-year-old forward constantly maintains his starting position instead of one of the brightest forwards in European football.

Ibrahimovic’s ability is evident, but he should be chastised in a similar fashion to Rooney by the media and supporters alike, and not guaranteed his place in the team. Mourinho may be under pressure to deliver at Old Trafford, but a place on the bench for Zlatan should be considerd.

United’s desperation has witnessed them travel down this road before with Radamel Falcao. The Colombian’s name, and not his ability, ensured he played far more minutes than he deserved under Louis Van Gaal. More worrying at this present stage is that United bolster an exuberant set of attacking options more deserving of their place in the starting XI. If United intend to overcome their demons, dropping Zlatan Ibrahimovic is desperately required before they can consider planning for the future.