Club Focus - Manchester United - 2010/11 Season Preview
Having been deposed as Champions by Chelsea after three successive titles, the 2010/11 season sees Manchester United desperate to win back their crown. With minimal changes in personnel, United will hope that continuity is the key to renewed success.
Last season
Losing Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid blunted the United attack last season, with too much burden placed on Wayne Rooney to compensate for the goals that the Portuguese winger guaranteed. Victory in the League Cup ensured some silverware but the Red Devils fell short of Chelsea in the league and exited the Champions League in the last eight.
The squad
2010 summer transfer campaign
United’s only major piece of business was wrapped up before the World Cup began. Mexican striker Javier Hernandez arrived for a price much lower than he would now command after his exploits in South Africa. Young English defender Chris Smalling completed his move from Fulham but he will have to wait for his chance after Nemanja Vidic signed a long term contract to remain at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson claims that a lack of value in the market has prevented him from making any significant outlays, but the poor financial position at the club offers an alternative explanation.
The Coach/manager
Sir Alex Ferguson needs little introduction and his record speaks for itself. A third Champions League triumph would silence any remaining doubters but his main priority will be to finally usurp Liverpool by winning United’s 19th league title. His job is as safe as ever and it will be the man himself who will call time, potentially next summer if he leads the team to that record-breaking trophy.
Anchorman
Darren Fletcher has risen from a derided squad member to a key component of the side over the past couple of seasons. Fletcher offers the commitment and energy that drives the team forward whilst remaining technically sound. Having shared the captain’s armband on the pre-season tour to America, his influence on the side is clearly growing.
Playmaker
Paul Scholes may have spurned Fabio Capello’s invitation to join England at the World Cup but he will be an important figure for United once again. He might not carry the same goal threat that he offered in his youth but his composure on the ball and precision passing make United tick.
Hot Prospect
It will be a big season for Federico Macheda as he looks to establish himself in the first team after failing to build upon his dramatic introduction to the Premier League in April 2009. Last season was beset by injury and he will want to prove that the hype generated since his explosive debut bears substance.
2010/11 prediction
Having kept hold of Vidic and Rooney and added the exciting Hernandez to the squad, United can expect to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. Chelsea are yet to significantly strengthen their squad and the Premier League title race went to the final day last season. Much will depend on how well the likes of Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov can support Rooney with the United defence remaining typically solid. Reinforcement may still be added by either side before the end of August, but at present the Blues will just be the favourites to edge out Ferguson’s side for the title.
A Different League’s prediction: 2nd
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
Related Articles
|