Crerand: Points That Prove Reds Are Capable

ManUtd.com's series of 'Promising Points' from 2016/17 gave Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand even more to talk about, following his popular weekly phone-in show on MUTV.

The 1968 European Cup winner talked about the four moments featured in our series - the tactical triumph over Chelsea, Marcus Rashford's mature winner against Anderlecht, Paul Pogba's strike in Stockholm and Jose Mourinho's passionate celebrations after seeing off Celta Vigo.

"Beating Chelsea was the most important one," said Paddy. "If you're looking at who's going to win the championship next year, you'd think Chelsea would be obvious favourites and then you've got Manchester City and maybe, maybe, maybe Liverpool. We'll need to challenge them. It depends to a great deal on who we sign in the close season, who we can bring in to strengthen the squad."

Paddy also felt April's 2-0 victory over the eventual champions featured "the loudest noise at Old Trafford for some time" and emphasised what could be achieved in 2017/18 if the supporters get behind the team.
The former Scotland international reckoned Rashford's calmly-taken effort in the Europa League quarter-final was a "fantastic moment" and he also gave a thumbs-up to Mourinho's semi-final celebrations.

"Football fans want to see a reaction from the manager," explained Crerand. "It makes them realise he could have been standing alongside them in the crowd."

Although Paddy believes Pogba already has a "great deal of confidence", he agreed the Frenchman will have gained a boost from his opening goal in the final against Ajax.

On what that victory meant to the team, Crerand added: "I always say football is about confidence. If you can win one European competition, you can win any of the European competitions. We're in the Champions League next season, so you never know.

"If the manager brings in new players, and I would think he'll certainly bring in two or three, there's a strong possibility United can give the Champions League a fright next year."