Man United season preview: A new man in charge but RVP still key

Last SeasonFirst. United comfortably regained the Premier League title after the signing of van Persie and growing defensive solidity throughout the year. Disappointment in the Champions League after ‘Nani-gate’ but it was a fitting way to say goodbye to Sir Alex Ferguson

Off-Season reportObviously the big news is the succession of David Moyes to the manager’s dugout but it’s also been a summer of transfer frustration. The fruitless pursuit of Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney’s unrest have made for an unusually unsettled summer at Old Trafford. Wilfried Zaha arrives from Crystal Palace but is very raw having never played in the top flight.

Season objectivesThe focus has to be on defending the Premier League title this season above all else. If Ferguson was still in charge, the Champions League would probably be at the top of the list but Moyes needs to win a big trophy early to give him legitimacy. The other key task will be to continue to improve the likes of Jones, Welbeck, De Gea and Rafael as the core of a young squad moving forwards.

ManagerDavid Moyes. Arguably the hardest succession of all time given the spotlight he will be under but he is made of tough stuff. He needs to show that he can get United playing the attractive football the fans expect in combination with the defensive solidity and desire his Everton teams were famous for.

StrengthsDefence. Although it was wobbly at the start of last season, in 2013 the United back five were water tight. De Gea, Rafael, Evra and a rejuvenated Rio Ferdinand are amongst the best in their positions in the league. If they can build a solid foundation it will give them time to work out any issues in midfield. Also, they’ve got Robin van Persie.

WeaknessesMidfield. It’s a real problem for United. Only Michael Carrick inspired any confidence in central midfield last season and the wingers Young, Nani and Valencia struggled for penetration and consistency. They don’t look a midfield packed with goals or defensive bite at the moment.

Key PlayerRobin van Persie. A world class, consistent goal scorer and goal maker who gives United elite cutting edge up front. If given even decent supply he will score goals and if they can work out a way to get him good supply he can get 30 goals. They have to keep him fit.

It’s a big season forShinji Kagawa. He showed flashes of his talent last season but was interrupted by injury and deployment in various positions around the field. There is no question of his talent and pedigree and he needs to show that this season. Moyes has spoken of giving him a key role and he needs to thrive on that.

Emerging starAdnan Januzaj. The latest off the Belgian production line, Januzaj has caught the attention in pre-season with his guile and technical quality. He looks like he could potentially be a long term answer to United’s need for class and quality in midfield. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get increased game time over the course of the season if his sparkling feet and elegance can become goals and assists.PredictionTitle challenge. For all the doom and gloom, it’s easy to forget how easily United won the league last year. They’ve still got van Persie, they’ve still got that defence and have young players with plenty more talent yet to be unlocked and explored.

Moyes may push hard to try and win the FA Cup to immediately begin filling the trophy cabinet and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them do that this year, possibly even the League Cup too in the attempts to give his era off to a flyer. The Champions League looks out of reach until more quality is added in midfield though.

Overall, it should be an exciting season and the club oozes winning mentality which Moyes will only add to. At least one trophy this year.