Man United to Win the Premier League? There May be Trouble Ahead

For the first time since seemingly time began Manchester United will start the 2013/14 Premier League season without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm and the man who has the unenviable task of following in his footsteps is David William Moyes.

Despite inheriting a championship winning squad there are many cracks that were papered over last year through a combination of Ferguson’s management, RVP’s goals and the lack of resolve of their nearest challengers.

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Moyes faces many problems at the beginning of his tenure as he needs to address the Wayne Rooney saga, the glaringly obvious lack of quality midfielders, the lack of a reliable left back (If you think Evra is reliable then give your head a wobble) as well as knowing when to use the creaking bones of Vidic and Ferdinand in the back four. Steps to answer the above have begun with Thiago mooted as a possible signing and given his outstanding performances in the Under 21’s tournament this summer he would be a great acquisition but Bayern Munich look set to win the race for him, so who do Manchester United buy in midfield now?. A bid for Baines has been rejected and you would expect they’ll go back in for him, whilst PSV midfielder Strootman has also linked.

Many players within the squad (Valencia, Young, Nani, Cleverley , Evra, Anderson  to name six) failed to perform last season and Moyes faces a tough task dragging these players back to being Manchester United quality. Despite ostensibly being made in the similar ilk to that of a T-101, Ryan Giggs’ aching bones cannot last for ever and his move to player coach surely signals the reduction in his playing time. Replacing Giggs, as well as Paul Scholes, on the field will be a difficult proposition.

Also there is the challenge of winning over the Old Trafford faithful. Whilst Ferguson’s cry of ‘support your new manager’ was  widely cheered around Old Trafford, a poor run of results in their opening  five fixtures in which they face Chelsea, Liverpool and city, would only mount more pressure on Moyes’ ginger shoulders.  United fans expect to win and to be entertained in the process, managing that expectation will take some doing. Can he handle that?

Looking at the current odds, United are slight favourites ahead of City and Chelsea. In my previous article I made the case for Chelsea to win this year’s Premier League title and I still stand by that. Whilst in pains me to say this as a United fan, I think this year United will fall slightly short in their quest for their 21st League Championship.  Changes in management, coaching staff and players takes time to gel and I feel that this year will be one of transition which will help build a stronger platform to work from next season. I hope I’m wrong but I can’t see Manchester United winning the title this season. 

Latest Premier League betting odds with William Hill

Chelsea 2/1, Manchester United 9/4, Manchester City 9/4, Arsenal 10/1, Liverpool 20/1, Tottenham 33/1, Everton 500/1.