After a strong, dazzling and counter attacking performance at Wembley in last Sunday's Community Shield, I would make Manchester United huge favourites for the Premier League title once again.
Their 3-2 victory, coming from 2-0 down at half time, put down a huge marker, simply because they were up against their fiercest rivals. They quite beautifully steam rolled over the top of Manchester City in the second half.
United's performance was as you would usually expect against their city rivals, the fact that it was the Community Shield did not matter, it could have been an FA Cup final. It was more who put in the key performances that was most impressive. Their new players, Ashley Young and Phil Jones, along with players who were out on loan last season like Tom Cleverly and Danny Welbeck who all gave arguably the best performances of their careers. Competition for places is going to e fierce.
Many will say it was only the Community Shield, but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will all have taken serious notice. All sides with an eye on the title come May would have all been left worried after Sunday's final whistle.
The retirement of Edwin Van Der Sar last May could well be the only small light at the end of a very long tunnel for the likes of Man City and Chelsea. To replace a world class talent like Van Der Sar is always going to be difficult and Sunday's match gave no early indications that David De Gea is going to be the man to do so.
United are also above their nearest rivals in terms of effort and commitment; they simply never give up. They have scored more goals after the 80th minute mark than any other team in Premier League history. Rooney is a fine example. Many people believe he didn't have the best campaign in 2010/11 however it was always guaranteed he would chase the ball down for 90 minutes, this gives any team a massive advantage. Compare this to Mario Balotelli of City, well there is no comparison, he simply isn't that type of player. They do have Carlos Tevez who is arguably more technically gifted than Rooney and has a similar work rate, however it is well known he does not want to be there.
Along with City I expect Chelsea to once again be United's biggest challengers. However a lack of signings and an ageing squad make protecting 2nd spot from Man City a more reasonable aim. Also trying to win the Premier League title back from Man United in Andre Villas-Boas first season in charge is a massive task.
Many will say it was only the Community Shield, but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will all have taken serious notice. All sides with an eye on the title come May would have all been left worried after Sunday's final whistle.
No comments:
Post a Comment