Evaluating the Premier League title contenders: Manchester United

MANCHESTER UNITED

Moyes has lifted the shield, but can he lift the Premier League trophy?

It's the start of a new era at Old Trafford. New manager David Moyes has been thrown into a completely new environment with a big budget to spend, a new crop of championship winning players and the extremely high expectations of the Manchester United faithful. Fans have been divided over his appointment, some saying that United should have hired a more proven manager at the top, and some saying he is the next Alex Ferguson after consistently overachieving with Everton. Having inherited a squad regarded as possibly United's best ever and with the godfather Sir Alex Ferguson offering his advice behind the curtains, can Moyes successfully transition Manchester United into a new age of success? 

The summer so far

It's been a rather frustrating summer for the Manchester United management, with 2 failed bids for Cesc Fabregas, missing out on Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich, and Moyes so far failing to reunite with Everton's Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. And where is Edward Woodward??? The biggest story of all is the potential departure of Wayne Rooney to league rivals Chelsea. The Englishman is angry, confused and wants out of Old Trafford after refusing to play backup to Robin Van Persie as a striker or out of position. United know that Rooney is an exceptional player on his day, and they also know that letting him to a league would be catastrophic. Therefore, their best bet would be to either set up a new tactic to accommodate both Rooney and Van Persie together, give him a new, even juicier contract to keep him happy or if they do plan on selling him, they would sell him abroad. I believe that in the end, Rooney will stay at Manchester United and get more opportunities at playing as a striker this year. There have been whispers of Moyes activating Marouane Fellaini's release clause which is exactly the player Manchester United need. A tough tackling, ball winning midfielder who can partner Michael Carrick in midfield. Whoever Moyes chooses to pursue, he will have to get them through the door soon as a very difficult start to the season awaits them (Swansea away, Chelsea at home and a trip to Anfield). The lack of signings has made them media favourites to finish 3rd in the league. 

But write the Champions off at your peril. Many times they have been doubted, and many times they have proven those doubters wrong. The current squad were exceptional last season, defeating every team who finished below 11th place, at home and away. This showed their merciless approach towards their weaker opponents, something that rivals Chelsea and Manchester City sorely missed last year.  At home, they effectively lost 1 game which was against Spurs. They may not have lost to Man City and Chelsea at Old Trafford if they hadn't effectively won the league by the time they played them. The bulk of the current squad have been there and done it, and they showed their professionalism last year. Now Moyes has to try and keep that professional mentality in his squad, which may have been why he has hired United veterans Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville as coaches. Robin Van Persie will again be United's main source of goals, having already given us a preview of what he can do at the Community Shield. After an underwhelming 2012/13 campaign, Antonio Valencia will want to think that sporting the number 25 shirt again will bring back his tremendous form from the 2011/12 season. Finally, watch out for youngsters Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard this season too, both having impressed staff and fans alike in pre-season.

Manchester United's record against the bottom half last season, Moyes needs a repeat of this ruthlessness.

  Possible lineup

Verdict

I feel like many people have been far too quick to write off Manchester United ahead of this campaign. Many have forgotten that in spite of the lack of transfer business, they have kept an experienced title winning squad and only a few alterations may be needed rather than the wholesale ones that could unsettle the squad. Afterall, Manchester United has never been about signing big names left right and centre, and Moyes will want to continue that. However, Fellaini would be an important addition to the team who would fit seamlessly into the club with his former management staff around him, and he would be very important to United's title chances by filling the midfield gap. Moyes will take time to settle in to his new job, certainly more than a year but the hardworking, experienced, and talented squad he has will be more than enough to hold up a strong title challenge. 2nd

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Fan's view 

Matt Siddle @Siddler_

1) What is the general feeling amongst the fans?

I'd say the general feeling amongst fans is a feeling of scepticism. Moyes is not exactly proven at the top, however, he was essentially scouted by Ferguson. If Ferguson likes him then he can't be so bad.

2) Which player will be the one to watch?

There are two players to watch this season. Januzaj has been very good in pre-season. He's a creative player will a bit of flair. He came on in Rio's testimonial and assisted a Valencia goal. Kagawa could also be one to watch. With Rooney unhappy at the club, Kagawa will most likely get a shot at playing in his preferred role just behind the striker. We saw glimpse of what he can do, such as his hat trick against Norwich.

3) What are Man Utd's strengths?

Man Utd's main strength is the squad's mentality, shown by the numerous comebacks staged last season. This mentality has been drilled into the team by Ferguson. Hopefully it will remain under Moyes.

4) What are Man Utd's weaknesses?

Man Utd's obvious weakness at the moment is in the midfield department. Luckily, last season the lack of depth in midfield was patched over by Carrick's form. This season, however, we cannot rely on Carrick if we wish to retain the league. Although, this problem *should* be fixed by next season.

5) What will happen in the ideal world?

In the ideal world the title will be retained. The team is effectively the same as the team last seaon that won the league by eleven points. Also, in the ideal world, Fabregas will be turning up to training next week with De Gea, and Rooney would stop whining.

6) What will happen in reality?

In reality, this season will be a hit or miss. The team will either retain last season's fine form or they will struggle to adjust to the first season under the new manager. Personally, I can't see past Chelsea and Man City finishing 1st and 2nd. 3rd place would be acceptable for the team. The only real problem would be missing out on the Champions League places, however, I'm confident that that will not happen.