5 reasons why Manchester United can win the 2014/15 Premier League title

The glorious days of the Ferguson era are long gone and Manchester United are struggling to find the necessary decisiveness that is required for them to be Premier League champions. But recent matches and a rise in performance levels from the Red Devils can certainly make them league contenders this season.The strikers in the form of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are starting to showcase the talent they are really made up of. Goalkeeper David De Gea has been stupendous and has the been the standout performer of the season so far. Van Gaal’s brilliance in tactics have revealed why United are still the best team in England.If United can extend their Premier League winning run, we may soon be hearing how United won another piece silverware in May. Currently lying in 3rd position in the table, United have the eager desire to get to the place they belong – the top of the table and the eventual winners of the Premier League trophy.Here are five reasons why Manchester United can end the season as Premier League winners.

#1 Formidable strike force

An attack which comprises of Rooney, Van Persie and Radamel Falcao is enough to talk about United’s potency in front of goal. Though there are serious questions raised about Falcao's fitness and his ability to play in the Premier League, Rooney and Van Persie have been providing plenty of goals lately.

Van Persie’s performances and finesse in the past few matches coupled with a recent run of goals shows that he still has the caliber to deliver. He is still one of the most lethal strikers in the world who can wreak havoc on opposition defences. Rooney's calming and influential role seen in the field has led him to play the role of a second striker and an offensive midfielder. If he can continue this role, he will certainly be United’s most dominant player and the main supplier to Van Persie, who can finish off United’s attacks.

No one can forget the true potential of Falcao. He was instrumental and the most important player for Atletico Madrid a few seasons ago. His tally of 40 goals for Los Colchoneros in the 2012/13 season proves why he is still a force to be reckoned with.

If further injury problems continue to plague Falcao, the substitute’s role can be given to young and charismatic James Wilson, who has enlightened the prospects of his United career by making a total of seven appearances this season. Wilson is not only a poacher and a finisher, but his passing and build up play are also his key attributes. With confidence running high at the tender age of 19, he could possibly be the next number “9” for England and Manchester United.

#2 Louis van Gaal\'s tactics

After Sir Alex Ferguson's departure from United, in came David Moyes. Nine months into the season and United were out of the Champions league and lying 7th in the Premier League table. No wonder Moyes was fired and Giggs named as interim manager in his place.

Following the end of the World Cup, Louis Van Gaal was appointed. A rational thinker and a tactical genius, Van Gaal has demonstrated his excellent managerial skills in Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich. He is not afraid to use different set-ups, swap roles for his players and rotate the squad, a reason why he is hailed by many as one of world’s best managers.

One of his most famous tactics includes the use of the 3-5-2 formation. He had efficaciously used this formation in the World Cup and is currently looking to use this system with the Red Devils. On his use of this formation, he once famously said, “When you play like that it’s always less than 15 metres [between the three centre-backs], and then it’s more easy to defend when you communicate good ... The wing-backs can always go. Both at the same time. That is a risk, but I am a risky coach.”

In the 3-5-2 setup, the third attacker acts as a link between attack and midfield. What is even more interesting about this setup is that when the opposition has possession, the third attacker steps up as the third presser. With this extra presser, United’s defensive line can play extremely high which allows them to limit space for opposition strikers. All of that is further emphasized by the man-marking that goes on in the middle of the pitch.

With continued dedication and effective use of tactics, we expect Van Gaal to take the Red Devils to their 21st Premier League title.

#3 Distraction for other Premier League contenders

Last season, Manchester City clinched the title whereas Chelsea, in regards to the expectations, came a faltering third. Both Chelsea and City qualified for the Champions League and have made it into the round of 16, where they will eventually come up against some of the best teams in Europe.

After the winter break, both these teams will usually have two or three fixtures each week with FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League matches (from February). Thanks to the increase in fixtures, the fatigue level of players will also increase and add to the team’s injury list. United have the certain chance to take advantage of this situation and will look to capitalize.

Van Gaal knows that an in-form Chelsea were defeated by Sunderland last season, due to rising Champion's League pressure. Furthermore, both these teams have been afflicted with injuries. Chelsea had their main striker Diego Costa on and off the injury list while City too have lost key men such as Sergio Aguero and David Silva to injuries during the season.

With competitive Champions League fixtures still remaining and the FA Cup yet to begin, it would be interesting to see how well these teams keep up in the Premier League title race. On the other hand, after key additions to the squad in January, United won’t have the added pressure of playing 2-3 fixtures every week. They can concentrate on the Premier League, play with their full strength squad and battle it out for the top spot this season.

#4 Trusted defensive backline

Phil Jones (R) made a comeback from injury

This season, De Gea has revealed the beast in him, stopping penalties, punching away crosses and winning aerial duels with opposition strikers - he has done it all. It has led to the speculation of him being transferred to Real Madrid. Critics and fans alike compare him to Manuel Neuer as he has been the stand out performer of United this season.

Switching between a 3-man defence and a 4-man defence has been no easy task as United have consistently leaked in goals, especially against Leicester City, Stoke and Swansea. Jones, Smalling, Evans and Rojo have all been susceptible to injuries and have been in and out of the squad. This has led the pathway for young players like Blackett to shine.

In recent matches, United’s defence has been in good shape and continues to improve as the players adapt to different roles. For example, Luke Shaw and Rafael have moved from their orthodox roles of full backs to wing-backs. Another positive point to note about United’s defence is that they have only conceded three goals in the last five matches compared to the eight goals they conceded in the first five matches.

The likely addition of Mats Hummels and Diego Godin will add a renewed sense of vigour to an ever improving defensive line. With the help of these recruits, United are only looking to concede fewer goals and possibly challenge for the title.

#5 January Arrivals

Manchester United are planning to go on a spending spree in January to follow up on their acquisition of world class players such as Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria. Despite spending more than £150m in the summer transfers, there still remains a hefty amount at Van Gaal’s disposal and he is keen to make key additions to the current line up and further strengthen his squad.

The midfield of United has failed to deliver in the past few matches and hence they will look to sign a dynamic, creative, all-action, box-to-box player. Kevin Strootman is likely to be the expected addition as United scouts have had him on their radar for the past five months. The Netherlands player, who made a total of 216 appearances for Roma, PSV, Sparta Rotterdam and Utrecht combined.

He has plenty of experience and can certainly help United’s midfield thrive. Van Gaal is ready to sign the 24-year-old provided a deal is agreed upon. Having returned from a career-threatening knee injury, Strootman is the versatile midfield player United need. Decisive passing, vision, stamina, a knack for making interceptions and shot power are some of his key attributes.

Van Gaal will also be looking to sign Mats Hummels, though there is a wide speculation that the 25-year-old will be moving to United’s rivals in North – Arsenal. His command over the defensive line, resolute tackles and effective marking are what make him one of the world’s best defenders.

Till date, Hummels has made well over 250 appearances for Dortmund and scored 25 goals. Hummels doesn’t have a release clause in his contract which keeps him at the club till the end of 2017. Given Dortmund’s low position in the Bundesliga and a lucrative offer from Manchester United, Hummels could be on the path of joining the Red Devils in January.

Signing these two players would be a real boost for United as it would give them the lethal edge to be title contenders this season.