Manchester United - 2013/14 Season Preview

Key Men

Van Persie – Another big season needed!

In Robin Van Persie and Michael Carrick, Manchester United have got two world class players who can make the difference again this season. David Moyes would be looking to build his side around these two players, and at the same time, focusing on how to maintain their form and fitness throughout the season, which is essential to United’s plan of winning silverware.

Another man who can have a real impact in the league for United this season is Wayne Rooney. They simply cannot afford to sell him to Chelsea, because, no matter if he had put in a transfer request or not, let’s just accept it, on his day, he is almost unplayable.

Those days were really few and far in between last season, but if you remember his performances against City away and Arsenal at home, and hope he can showcase those with consistency in the coming season, then you just cannot think of letting him go, let alone to your direct rival.

Players to look out for

Besides the star players like Van Persie, Carrick and Rooney, who are expected to have another successful campaign, all eyes must be on Shinji Kagawa, who, after showing glimpses of his talent in the injury-laden last season, is expected to showcase his real abilities this term. David Moyes has already spoken about how highly Sir Alex himself regarded the Japanese, and therefore, there is no doubting his talent.

The youngsters – Januzaj, Zaha and Lingard, who have already caught the eye of fans around the world during the pre-season tour, are also expected to have a big season ahead.

Key Aspect

Besides keeping hold of Wayne Rooney and maintaining the form and fitness of their key players, the major aspect for United’s title credentials this season is how David Moyes handles the responsibility of managing one of the biggest club in the world.

And, to make matters worse for him, the league has been harsh enough to grant United one of their toughest start to a league campaign, where they face Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool within first five matches of the season itself.

World media would act like vultures waiting to pounce on David Moyes, if United falter during their tough start. And, it is how he would handle situations like these during the course of the season that would determine United’s future.

Where would they like to finish

It’s an irrelevant question when you know that the team in question is Manchester United. There is no doubt that everyone associated with United, even after the stepping down of Sir Alex and the league getting even tougher, has only one prime target for the season – to retain the Premier League title.

Where will they actually finish

United have been fairly quiet in terms of their transfer activity as compared to their direct rivals like Manchester City and Chelsea, who have gone early this time and already got their targets, but there is still time for them to make a marquee signing for the season.

And, if they get a quality play-maker to add to an already formidable squad boasting of perfect blend of youth and experience, while keeping hold of Wayne Rooney, and maintaining the form and fitness of Robin Van Persie, there is no reason why United fans should not be looking at the start of another successful era under David Moyes.

Having said that, however, does not make their task straightforward. Beating Jose Mourinho’s rejuvenated Chelsea side, along with seeing off the challenge of their city neighbors, who themselves have been motivated by a new manager and some quality signings, would take a humongous effort on part of David Moyes’s men.