EPL Season Preview 2011-12: Manchester United

C.H.A.M.P.1.9.N.S.

So here we are. A new season is about to begin and brings with it new hopes, new aspirations and more than that, the curiosity to have a look at the performance of new players. United did well in their last season but will they be able to carry on the momentum? Here is a preview of their upcoming season.

Last Season

19 > 18

The 2010-11 season was one the Red Devils will not forget anytime soon. It was a season where United finally knocked Liverpool off their ******* perch (Sir Alex’s words, not mine). If the #19 was sweet, the path to win the title was even more satisfying. The never-say-die spirit that’s synonymous with this great club was on display throughout the season. Old Trafford became United’s fortress and only West Brom managed to gain any points from the Theatre of Dreams (in a 2-2 draw). United’s away form was poor all through the season, but it was away from home where United put in their best performances of the season, seldom coming back from behind to garner all 3 points. The 3-2 and 4-2 wins against Blackpool(A) and West Ham (A) respectively came after United surprisingly found themselves down by 2 goals at half time. United kicked off their last season by beating Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield. After suffering a shock exit at the hands of West Ham United in the Carling Cup, the Reds then had a decent run in all three major competitions (Premier League, the F.A.Cup and the Champions League). United managed to reach the semifinals of the FA Cup, where they were shown the door by their arch rivals Manchester City. They won the premier league by a fair margin of 7 points and reached the finals of the Champions League, only to be outclassed by the mighty Catalan giants.

Transfer Talk

PLAYERS OUT:

1. Gary Neville: The rightback retired midway last season due to poor fitness and frequent injuries. He was given a glorious testimonial match when the “Class of ‘92” reunited once more to face Juventus.

2. Edwin van der Sar: The 40 year old goalkeeper retired after the sombre end to the season, following the defeat to Barcelona. Ajax football club organized a testimonial match for the Flying Dutchman in which several Manchester United players, including Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, participated.

3. Paul Scholes: Another legend who decided to hang up his boots at the end of the season, the midfield maestro was given a fitting farewell when Eric Cantona led New York Cosmos featured in his testimonial match in front of a jam-packed Old Trafford.

4. Wes Brown: The 32 year old versatile defender began his youth career with Manchester United. But the lack of playing time at United forced him to move to Sunderland.

5. John O’Shea: Another utility player, who had played in all positions during his time at Old Trafford (including goalkeeper), O’Shea too left United to get more playing time at Sunderland.

6. Tiago Bebe: Last summer’s surprise buy Bebe has been sent on a season long loan to Besiktas, with the Turkish club having an option to make the move permanent at the end of season for £2M.

7. Owen Hargreaves: The injury prone midfielder left after his contract with Manchester United expired and is now available as a free agent. West Brom look eager to sign the 31 year old veteran.

8. Gabriel Obertan: The 22 year old French winger was sold to Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee (reportedly around £3M). Obertan was signed in 2009 from Ligue 1 club Bordeaux.

In addition, reserves goalkeeper Conor Devlin left the club after his contract expired, Oliver Gill has decided to quit football for the time being to complete his university studies while Nicky Ajose was sold to Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee.

A few reserves players were also loaned out.

Ritchie De Laet: Norwich City (season long)

Ryan Tunnicliffe: Peterborough United (six months)

Scott Wootton: Peterborough United (six months)

Robbie Brady: Hull City (six months)

Joshua King: Borussia Monchengladbach (season long)

Also expected to leave United before the transfer window closes are: Darren Gibson (Sunderland), Tomasz Kuszczak

PLAYERS IN:

1. Phil Jones:

The first player United signed in this transfer window was the England U21 captain Phil Jones. A player of vast potential, touted to be the next England captain by many, Jones was a £16M signing from Blackburn Rovers. A sturdy defender, who can play as a defensive midfielder on any given day, Jones is known for his no-nonsense style of defending. With Chris Smalling being used as a right back, Jones will accompany Johnny Evans on the bench and will mostly be used as a rotation player to cover up for United’s first choice center back pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand.

2. Ashley Young:

The £15M midfielder joined United from Aston Villa with a reputation of possessing express pace and a deadly pinpoint cross into the box. With Ryan Giggs shifting to the center of midfield, Ashley Young is an automatic replacement on the left wing. In the presence of Antonio Valencia, Luis Nani and Ji Sung Park, Ashley Young will fit in perfectly in the United squad.

3. David De Gea:

Following the departure of Van der Sar, buying a quality goalkeeper was always going to be on the top of Sir Alex’s transfer wish list. A few eyebrows were however raised when United decided to buy the 20 year old, relatively inexperienced, David De Gea from Atletico Madrid for an astonishing £20M. The lad has potential and has showed his genius against the likes of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the La Liga but he lacks experience, a requisite of being the #1 at any club. De Gea started the Community Shield match against Manchester City and it is almost certain that he will be the first choice goalkeeper ahead of Kuszczak and Lindegaard.

Ashley Young and Phil Jones have played with most of United squad at various levels for the England national team. While Young can quickly forge a partnership with Rooney upfront, Phil Jones can do the same with compatriot and U21 teammate Chris Smalling at the back.

Pre-season

United had a successful preseason at US where they played in front of capacity crowd everytime

Manchester United visited United States for their preseason and faced MLS clubs New England Revolution, Seattle Sounders, Chicago Fire; a MLS All Star team comprising of David Beckham and Thiery Henry and concluded their USA tour with a match against Barcelona. A few players joined the party late because of international commitments while Chicharito didn’t play even once throughout the tour. Sir Alex tried various combinations in all four departments. Lindegaard, Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Mame Diouf and Kiko Macheda impressed with their performances as United easily won all their preseason fixtures.

United’s Preseason Stats:

Matches Played: 5

Goals Scored: 20

Goals Conceded: 3

Players who scored:

Wayne Rooney-4

Michael Owen, Ji Sung Park-3

Federico Macheda, Luis Nani-2

Mame Diouf, Gabriel Obertan, Rafael, Dimitar Berbatov, Anderson, Danny Welbeck-1

What to expect

The team is upbeat after winning the record 19th and after the departure of stalwarts, the average age of the team has come down considerably, showing that the future of this team is indeed bright. The mood in the camp is great and the squad is ready for another thrilling season. In the presence of versatile forwards Ashley Young, Luis Nani, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, you can expect some ‘sexy’ football from the team.

The Team’s Talisman

Rooney's form drastically improved in the second half of the season

It’s hard to single out one individual amongst a hoard of quality players. But I expect this season to be a memorable one for a certain Wayne Rooney. The striker seems to have shrugged off the problems he created for himself last season and looks like his previous self. Rooney likes to control the game and has shifted from being the solo striker to the role of trequartista. The new role allows him to control the ball and read the game before making a killer pass to the front-man. Rooney won’t score many goals from this position but will certainly create chances and provide a lot of assists throughout the season. Rooney was United’s most influential player in the business end of the season and despite missing out a few matches due to ankle injury, amassed 15 goals and 14 assists in a total 36 appearances in all competitions.

Two Possible Formations

4-3-3

4-3-3

The 4-3-3 is the considered to be an attacking formation. And boy, do United have options in attacking department. The forward trio of Nani, Young and Rooney is enough to send chills down the opposition spine. Add to that last year’s top two goalscorers for United, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez, the formation looks more deadly. Danny Welbeck is capable of playing at all three positions upfront too. Nani and Young can effectively switch flanks throughout the course of match to keep the opposition fullbacks alert at all times. The midfield trio can include Michael Carrick/Phil Jones being used as a defensive midfielder with Anderson and Tom Cleverley/Darren Fletcher/Ji Sung Park being the other two midfielders.

4-4-1-1

4-4-1-1

The formation that clicked for Manchester United in the second half of the last season. Starting 2010-11 the season with a conventional 4-4-2, Sir Alex tweaked the formation and put Rooney in the ‘hole’, just behind the striker and in front of the midfielders, to form a channel from which the ball would flow. Rooney revelled in his new role and raked up assists and goals after recovering from his bad phase in life.

Least Targets

A fantasy-less United team reached the final of Champions League, the semis of FA Cup and won the premier league. So, the addition of Ashley Young will just raise the expectations. The least target would be to win the 20th. And if United manage to sign a certain ‘world-class’ Dutchman (a.k.a. Wesley Sneijder), the Champions League will become their top priority. A good run in the FA Cup and the Champions League is must, with or without Sneijder and as we all know, trophies are always welcomed at Old Trafford.

United are a family club. The fans always support their players no matter what. Berbatov suffered a lean patch in the season prior to last season, but never lost the backing of his fans. The striker returned their faith with 19 goals last season. United’s premier league campaign begins with a match against West Brom at The Hawthorns on August 14th. And as always, the fans will be chanting in the top of their voice to support the Red Devils.

Check out our other season previews:

Arsenal: Will The Gunners Finally Fire?

Tottenham Hotspur: Champions League Football to Return to the Lane?

Valencia CF: Time to Return to Old Glory?

Manchester City: A Dynasty to be Feared?

Liverpool FC: Will They Walk Alone?

QPR: Underdogs or a Real Deal?