With the Premier League season just a few sleeps away, many are starting to make their early predictions of which team could possibly win the league, get relegated or for that matter, which manager will be sacked first.
But the one that stands out, though, is how many people believe that Manchester United can’t go back to back.
Agreed, Manchester City have spent big money and that Jose Mourinho is back at Chelsea.
Agreed that Sir Alex Ferguson has retired and with the aforementioned points, their cautious approach is valid.
But surely, those statements don’t bridge the 11-point gap United had on the rest last year.
United won 28 of their 38 games last season, with what many described as the worst midfield in their history.
They were a Sergio Aguero stoppage-time winner away from winning the league a year before with what many described as their worst squad on Premier League history.
Let’s get a few things straight. Firstly, they have the best striker in England in Robin van Persie. 26 goals to help win the title basically by February, there is no match for this man.
And then there is want-away Wayne Rooney, who is slowly hunting down Bobby Charlton’s all-time goals record. Add in Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa and Wilfred Zaha and there isn’t a better strike force in England.
United scored 86 goals last season. That is 20 more than City and 11 more than Chelsea.
Chelsea have youngster Romelu Lukaku, who returned from a season-long loan from West Brom, along with the most overrated player in world football, Fernando Torres, and Demba Ba in their ranks.
Until they sign more strikers, not even a midfield of Juan Mata/Eden Hazard/Oscar/Frank Lampard can match the Red Devils at scoring, which don’t forget is the name of the game.
There is a famous saying that goals win games, but defences win trophies. United conceded four more goals than City and nine more than Chelsea.
Five of these however came in the last game of the season against West Brom after the title had been won.
Nemanja Vidic has played only 25 games in the last two years while Rio Ferdinand isn’t getting any younger. Injuries have curtailed United’s centre-backs and yet they have still coped fine.
If the argument is that their defence is too old, experience is key. And if the duo can stay fit, their back-four will be hard to preach. Jonny Evans, one of United’s best players last season is an able understudy.
Patrice Evra, who has been rather indifferent of late, now has strong competition from Alexander Buttner on the left.
Right-back Rafael has grown leaps and bounds, and with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are capable of playing in right-back and in the middle, United have ample back-up.
David De Gea also found his feet after a shaky start, and will only get better at 21.
City’s signings on paper sound fabulous, but they aren’t hardened enough to grind out results during an English winter.
Manuel Pellegrini already had a lot of egos to manage before he spent millions on Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic.
They are fine players in their own right, but they are all used to being stars at their club and it won’t take long for the frustration to kick in at being left on the bench.
Many are basing United’s projected downfall on the pure fact Sir Alex is gone. He was a legend and a key figure no doubt, but let’s not forget that David Moyes was handpicked by the great man himself.
Moyes has Premier League experience and the change will be refreshing, not hindering.
United’s midfield received plenty of criticism last season, but it will only improve. Michael Carrick showed at Wembley during the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic that he is at the peak of his powers and can control big games.
Tom Cleverley, at 24, will only improve, and Kagawa now has a year of Premier League experience under his belt.
Add in the fact United that the formation and strategy remains the same, and that Moyes, like his predecessor likes width, there is plenty of improvement to come even without any new signings.
United may have not got anything from their three wingers in Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Nani last year but that shouldn’t be the case this year.
There’s still plenty to happen in the transfer market, but let’s not write off the champions before the seasons even begun.
The key will be handing not only the league, but the other competitions these sides must play all over Europe. Squad strength and momentum will be vital.
So are you a believer or a doubter of this great club? Will they go back to back, or will blue dominate this season?
Perhaps you think one of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur can lift the trophy. If so, please visit the nearest doctor.
Radelaide
Guest
Just a feeling that they are flying under the radar, with that being said after I wrote that I read on one of the british sites that they are missing a lot to injury.
darcytrainor
Roar Rookie
Why will Arsenal make a real push?
Radelaide
Guest
I think the 11 point gap came about due to Mancini turning his playing group against him, Mourinho not being at chelsea and sir Alex's ability to get the best out of his players by scaring the bejeezus out of them into making sure they walk away with a win, I think Moyes is a very good coach but the other 2 teams are more primed this year, and I'll put this on the record I think Arsenal will make a real push and the jury is still out on spurs with or without Bale. I think we are in for one hell of a season.
AZ_RBB
Guest
my bad. i thought Baines was 26/27. turns out that he's actually 28. regardless, my desire to have Baines at United is based on a lot more than long terms plans, evidently the best he could give us is 4 or 5 good seasons before age gets the better of him. The biggest and seemingly most ridiculous is that a team like Man Utd must make a major signing every off season. regardless of how easily they won last season. A new signing not only sends a message to fans, media and rivals but it also pushes the current players harder. On top of that reuniting with Moyes will be very beneficial. When we announced Moyes I envisaged him bringing Baines and Fellaini. Would still like to see that happen.
Stu
Guest
Hang on... hang on... "in the long term I think Baines can achieve great things..." In the long term? You do know Baines is 29? What about Buttner for the long term? Five years Baines' junior and proved more than capable when standing in for Evra - who is still one of United's best players and himself only 32 - especially when going forward. United don't need Baines (read United don't need a 29 yo left back, especially for the money being quoted).
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
Typical that he goes out and gets MOTM last night.. and scores.
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
Yea no idea how he keeps making the England squad, especially after his last season. Welbeck that is.
AZ_RBB
Guest
i won't pretend that i've seen every single game Cleverley has ever played but from what i have seen he seems very capable in challenging for the ball helped by his physical presence. but when it comes to distribution and reading the play he doesn't seem as strong. he is particularly poor in front of goal, i've seen him miss far too many easy chances. which is forgivable as a centre mid but still expect more. in saying that when i saw him in the flesh in Sydney he was excellent and he didn't do anything wrong against Wigan so if that's any indication of how he'll go this season then i'll be happy. but at the moment i'm not convinced.
AlexThanopoulos
Roar Rookie
Agree with Cleverly. Hasnt shown much at all for mine. Yet like Welbeck, everyone raves about him.
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
What's behind your lack of faith in Cleverly AZ? As an England fan I'd love to see Baines join your lot and get a season of Champions League under his belt before the WC. Will be a top signing for you if he's anywhere near his form from last year.
AlexThanopoulos
Roar Rookie
United will be there or thereabouts. I do not think anyone doubts that. The main factor that cannot be gauged as at today, is how much of a factor SAF was in getting the side over the line in tough matches and always finishing the season strongly. Time will tell. Agreed that the current inherited squad won the league by 11 points, but honestly without RVPs extraordinary contribution and Carrick havuing a career best season controlling the midfield, the side would have really struggled. How Moyes plays the side is also important. SAF loved his wide men, will Moyes do the same ? As you stated, Nani, Young and Valencia added little last season. Zaha looks very promising yet raw. Nani hopefully can fulfill the potential all know he possesses. All talk is about a creative goalscoring midfielder in the centre of the park. Its a hole in the squad that is still there. Kagawa although hampered by injury needs to play in the hole where he impressed in Germany. This however seems to be where one Mr Rooney was being shifted to? Maybe 2 up front? I don't know. The defence has enough there to be comfortable even with injuries. A Baines would add more than a Buttner for mine. One last point. Welbeck is dire. Not good enough for United. Cleverly shows glimpses, however hasn't shown any consistency. He looks better when he plays with Anderson.. who never plays. Chelsea look strong and if they get a forward that can score 20+ goals in the League, they will be tough to beat. Interesting times ahead. Personally, as a United fan, I hope United silence everyone early on after the tough start to the fixture list. Then bring on title 21.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Would like to see Welbeck+Kagawa+RVP given the chance to prove themselves as the lethal combination i believe they can become. Have very little faith in the abilities of Cleverley and even less faith in Young. If Moyes can get something out of them I will be truly impressed. Nani and Valencia are tricky. Both with undeniable talent but go missing so often. I think I mentioned elsewhere that I would love to see the addition of Fellaini and Baines. In particular the latter. Nothing against Evra but in the long term I think Baines can achieve great things at Old Trafford. Rooney? meh. :P nah in all seriousness would love to see him stay at the club and rekindle his love for the badge but if not i am confident we'll be just fine.
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
You've made lots of valid points and I agree that it's unfair to write them off. Rooney's decision to stay or go could be a huge factor in how the teams end up. If he goes at this stage will United have time to find an adequate replacement? They'd be handing over a significant amount of goals to a title rival. Personally I think it'll be much closer than last year, but my money's on Chelsea. They've got the best midfield in the league and one of the top 2 defences (based on last years goals conceded anyway). I'd be surprised if Mourinho doesn't bring in a new top shelf forward, but even if he doesn't their attack isn't as ineffective as you suggest. Lukaku is a beast and is sure to get some time in the first team this season.