By winning a record 19th League title and reaching the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons, it has to be said that Manchester United had a successful season in 2010/11. However, the fact that is was just the one addition to the Old Trafford trophy cabinet has clearly left manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, eager for more success.
Despite criticisms about he quality of the squad last season compared to those of the past, United never really looked like not winning the Premier League title and progressed to the Champions League final with relative ease before eventually losing to a ‘much better’ Barcelona side by Ferguson’s own admission.
United have been busy in the transfer market this Summer having spent close on £60millions for three new signings, with the arrival of Luke Young from Aston Villa the most significant. Whether the £19 million capture is the difference between United winning the Champions League certainly remains open to debate, nobody would argue that he’s not got the game changing abilities of Messi or Ronaldo but there’s no questioning his ability as a Premier League player and his inclusion in the team certainly strengthens United’s challenge.
Young is joined at Old Trafford by defender, Phil Jones, who signed for a fee believed to be in the region of £16 million from Blackburn Rovers and looks more a player for the future but will no doubt play his fair share of games and provides solid cover alongside Chris Smalling for the first choice centre half pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
The spotlight on the three new signings however will firmly be placed on United’s new goalkeeper, David de Gea, who has joined from AtleticoMadridand has the daunting task of replacing the now retired, Edwin van der Sar. It took Sir Alex Ferguson several years and several years to find a replacement for Peter Schmeichel at Old Trafford that he was happy with and putting the responsibility on the shoulders of a 20 year old is a huge gamble and one which could backfire on Fergie. Nobody knows how good de Gea is and the Spanish Under 21 International could be the difference between United winning the title come May.
With the transfer window still open, there has also been much speculation about United possibly signing Wesley Sneidjer from Inter Milan. The signing of the classy midfielder would certainly signal United’s intent for the season, particularly in the Champions League where the Dutchman’s influence would be vital. However, as it stands his transfer to Old Trafford remains speculative.
As it stands, United have a more than good enough squad to once again challenge for the top prizes in 2011/12, goals should not be a problem with Hernandez emerging last season along with the ever reliable Wayne Rooney and the defence is undoubtedly one of the best and depending on how de Gea takes to life in England, United look justified favourites in the Premier League odds, however, with such fierce competition from rivals Man City and Liverpool expected, as well as Chelsea, there will be little room for Fergie’s side to make errors but for a side that has won the Premier League title 12 times since 1993, it is difficult to oppose them adding a 13th title to the Ferguson dynasty.