It may only have just got under-way but the new Premier League season has already thrown up some interesting plot lines.

The opening fixture saw champions Leicester succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of everyone's relegation favourites Hull City in a game that looks like it will set the tone for the Foxes season.

Teams know how to play Leicester now and for the first time perhaps in their history, they have a target on their back. Everyone they face is going to up their performance because they are the title holders.

The opening weekend also saw the first chance to see what the pretenders to their crown could do and one of the most impressive performances, came from Manchester United. The Red Devils got off to a winning start at Bournemouth and things are certainly looking good for a run at the title.

It's early days of course, but the signs are there.  So here are FIVE reasons why United could be lifting the Premier League trophy in May...

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho (6)

He's a serial winner, what more do you need for a manager. Yes he may be abrasive to say the least at times but you cannot doubt the fact that he will get United close to the title by hook or by crook.

Bringing in Mourinho almost guarantees trophies and after what happened at Chelsea he may feel he has a point to prove, the rest of the league better watch out.

Ibrahimovic looks settled

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League

There may have been some doubt as to whether the former PSG man could be a success in the Premier League given his age but he looks set to banish these rather quickly.

He scored the winner in the Community Shield before scoring the third against Bournemouth to kill off the game. If he stays in this form with his wealth of title experience United have to be confident.

Eric Bailly

Football - VfL Wolfsburg v Villarreal - Emirates Cup - Pre Season Friendly Tournament - Emirates Stadium - 25/7/15
Villarreal's Eric Bailly in action with Wolfsburg's Andre Schurrle
Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley
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Bailly looks like a real find. Signing from Villarreal few expected him to be such a star so early on in his United career but he's arguably their first choice centre half already.

He looks strong and composed at the back and doesn't look like he's going to get bullied by Premier League forwards. All this combined with his young age means the Red Devils have someone who will allow them for continued success.

Gritty performances

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League

The performance against Bournemouth wasn't outstanding because of the football United played but the sheer nature of their victory. They didn't actually play that well but took their chances when presented with them and defensively looked very good. They look like they've taken on board their new manager's tactics quickly too and so this combined with winning whilst playing badly can only lead to success.

Fear factor

Manchester United v Everton - Wayne Rooney Testimonial

United are gradually building back that fear factor again that has been missing for the last three years. Jose Mourinho knows how to mix it with the best managers in the world and get under their skin whilst players like Ibrahimovic, Bailly and Paul Pogba aren't going to be intimidated.

United desperately needed a confidence boost and a reminder of who they were and it already looks like they've got it.