Premier League peril: The three teams with pre-season problems

Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea

The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday night, but there are three teams in particular who may wish they had more time.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United have endured difficult summers. Ahead of the new campaign, the Coral News Team have broken down each club’s dilemmas…

Manchester United

The expectation: To build on last season’s second place finish, sign world class players and mount a serious Premier League challenge to Manchester City.

The reality: Have made only three signings, only two of whom strengthen the first XI. Manager Jose Mourinho has spent weeks berating his club’s lack of transfer activity in the press.

The outcome: United and Mourinho are desperate to sign a centre-half, but they can’t seem to get a deal over the line. Jose is already cutting a disgruntled figure, and dark times lurk at Old Trafford.

Odds: 7/1 to win the Premier League.

Chelsea

The expectation: To remove Antonio Conte swiftly and back his replacement with time and funds.

The reality: Couldn’t agree a severance package with Conte or a deal with Maurizio Sarri until well after pre-season had started. Sarri has been supported with the signing of Jorginho, but Chelsea stars Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois want out.

The outcome: Courtois has gone AWOL as he pushes for a move to Madrid. Sarri is heavily on the back foot, and this campaign is little more than preparation for a full go at things in 12 months time.