Season Preview - Manchester United

Manager – Sir Alex Ferguson

Stadium – Old Trafford

2010/11 – Champions

The 2010/11 Champions endured a long, yet successful campaign last term. The season saw United win their 19th league title, overhauling Liverpool's 18 Championship success'. The season also included an FA cup Semi-final appearance at Wembley as well as a Champions League final against Barcelona. After finishing runners up to Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea the previous season, Sir Alex's men were determined to win the title back this season around, and on the back of the World Cup in South Africa, Sir Alex began to try and strengthen his squad. Ahead of the upcoming campaign, Javier 'Chicarito' Hernandez, arrived at Old Trafford after a successful World Cup with Mexico, for a reported fee of up to £7million. As well as Hernandez, Chris Smalling arrived from Fulham, and the unknown Bebe signed from Victor Guimaraes for a substantial fee. United began their title challenge in brilliant fashion, going on a 24 game unbeaten run, which took them into February. The run saw the Red Devils pick up a total of 54 points out of a possible 72 before defeat at Wolves saw the run, which was reminiscent of the Arsenal 'invincibles' of 2004, abruptly cut short. Despite this loss, Sir Alex's men went on to beat Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool within their next four games. After that defeat, United only went on to lose three more times all season, as they went on to win the title, nine points clear of runners up Chelsea. Despite a disappointing 4-0 exit to West Ham in the Carling Cup, Man United managed to reach a FA Cup semi-final tie against bitter rivals Man City, in which they lost 1-0, courtesy of a Yaya Toure goal. Regardless of this, United then went on to reach the Champions League final against Barcelona, also at Wembley. Along their way to the final, United knocked out Marseille, Cheslea and Schalke to set up a repeat of the 2009 tie. Once more, Sir Alex's men were humbled by Barcelona's brilliance, as they lost 3-1. Despite the end of the season bringing success, Sir Alex was faced with a dilemma, as he had to replace the retiring Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin Van Der Sar. After a long and arduous campaign for United, their 19th league title was a just reward, as they now look to strengthen and defend their crown this upcoming season.

Highlights of 2010/2011 – Winning the Premier League title, overtaking Liverpool’s total of 18 title wins. Appearing at Wembley and in the Champions League final once more. The arrival and success of Javier Hernandez alongside the form of the ageing Van Der Sar.

Lowlights of 2010/2011 – Losing to rivals Man City in the FA Cup at Wembley and again, failing to challenge Barcelona for the Champions League. The retirement of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, as well as Bebe’s failure to succeed at Old Trafford.

What to expect in 2011/2012

In previous seasons, Sir Alex Ferguson has been criticised for not spending as much as rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. But after looking at the amounts spent in preceding campaigns, Sir Alex has consistently splashed the cash, spending in excess of £20million during the summer months. This seasons has proved no different, with Ferguson to date having spent almost £50million. Replacing the outgoing Edwin Van Der Sar, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, in come Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea from Athletico Madrid, England Under 21 defender Phil Jones from Blackburn, and England international Ashley Young from Aston Villa. Dawned with the task of replacing such Old Trafford legends, Sir Alex has attempted to implement youth into his previously somewhat ageing squad. After reinforcing his side, it looks set to be a successful season for the red side of Manchester, not only as they attempt to defend their Premier League title, but as they look to close the gap on Barcelona, in their quest for European dominance. At 20 years old, David De Gea is viewed by many as the man to replace Edwin Van Der Sar, and with age on his side, some see the possible potential to emulate the great Peter Schemichael. Old Trafford's new number one is considered the first of many young players at Manchester United who have the potential to become world class stars under Sir Alex Ferguson. On the back of a solid season for Blackburn  and a impressive European Under 21's tournament, Phil Jones, alongside Chris Smalling is considered the long term successor to the centre back berth at with both Manchester United and England. The final signing, as of yet, Ashley Young has been tipped by many to break into the England set up, and his form at Aston Villa last year, playing as a support striker as opposed to his usual position out side merited those assumptions. Stand in captain last year, Young broke into Capello's starting 11 and as a result sealed his £16million dream move to Old Trafford. A long term replacement for Ryan Giggs, Young has been tipped to compete with Nani and Antonio Valencia for a place out wide in Sir Alex Fergusons starting line up. Many feel that despite Sir Alex's insistence that his spending is over, one more player, in the shape of Dutch play-maker Wesley Sneijder could still arrive in Manchester. Paul Scholes has said himself, that the Inter Milan midfielder is a carbon copy of himself, and can fill the boots he left behind at Old Trafford. Whether or not the deal goes through, only time will tell. None the less, the signings at United this summer have gone a long way to improving the current squad, whilst adding potential for many years to come. 

Signings –

David De Gea, Athletico Madrid – £19million

Ashley Young, Aston Villa – £16million

Phil Jones, Blackburn Rovers – £16million

Other potential signings –

Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan - £35million

Jack Rodwell, Everton - £15million

Lassana Diarra, Real Madrid - £18million

Samir Nasri, Arsenal - £20million

Douglas Costa , Shaktar Donetsk - £18million

Gary Cahill, Bolton - £15million

Departures –

John O’Shea, Sunderland – Undisclosed fee

Wes Brown, Sunderland – Undisclosed fee

Owen Hargreaves - Released

Gary Neville – Retired

Paul Scholes – Retired

Edwin Van Der Sar – Retired

Other potential departures - 

Dimitar Berbatov, PSG/Juventus/Tottenham - £14million

Darren Gibson, Sunderland - £6million

Tomasz Kuszczak, West Bromwich Albion - £2million

Danny Welbeck, Sunderland – Loan

Johnny Evans, Wolves - £6million

Michael Owen, Sunderland/QPR/Everton - £3million

Gabriel Obertan, Newcastle – Loan

Possible starting XI

4-2-3-1

De Gea

Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra

Carrick, Fletcher

Nani/Valencia, Rooney, Young

Hernandez

Alternative

4-3-3

De Gea

Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra

Carrick, Jones/Fletcher, Giggs

Young/Nani/Valencia, Hernandez, Rooney

If Sneijder signs

4-2-3-1

De Gea

Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra

Carrick, Fletcher

Nani/Valencia, Sneijder, Young

Rooney

Second String XI

4-3-3

Lindegaard

Rafael, Evans, Smalling, Fabio

Giggs, Jones/Gibson, Anderson

Park Ji Sung/ Cleverley, Berbatov, Owen/Welbeck

Prediction

1st

With Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, Manchester United will always have the winning mentality that he installs at Old Trafford. Never far from the action, I expect United to challenge for their 20th league title, and defend their Premier League crown. With rivals Liverpool and Man City already investing heavily in their squads for next season, Sir Alex's purchases will prove to be very wise, as the young, yet proven talent he has brought in, continues to develop the winning mentality embedded at Old Trafford. With ready made replacements for the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand available, the current squad has the element of youth on its side, with Sir Alex able to field a relatively young yet experienced side for the next few years to come. Right now however, I can't help but tip United for the title next season. As Liverpool and Rivals City invest heavily in their sides, Sir Alex's men just seem to be able to rise a level above their competitors, not only domestically but in Europe as well. With this increased level of competition this year, I believe United have a squad that can compete in Europe, whilst stamping their mark on the Premier League, once again.

Season Preview - Manchester City

Manager – Roberto Mancini

Stadium – Etihad Stadium 47,726

2010/2011 – 3^rd

As is now the norm with Manchester City, they began last season with great expectations. A top four finish (at the least) and an end to their 35 year trophy drought were the understandable targets Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Chief Executive Garry Cook had set Manager Roberto Mancini for the upcoming season, one in which he failed to disappoint. After spending in excess of £400million on new recruits since the Abu Dhabi United Group took over the club on transfer deadline day back in 2008, huge amounts of pressure and responsibility is placed on the man brave enough to take charge of this lucrative yet precarious position. With the Premier League being Mancini’s main priority it was evident as City fell at the first hurdle of the League Cup, losing 2-1 to West Brom at The Hawthorns. The Europa League was another high profile competition Mancini’s men were involved in but despite positive results in the group stage finishing top they only managed to reach the round of 16, losing to Dynamo Kiev 2-1 on aggregate. It wasn’t all doom and gloom as City were still going strong in the FA Cup and the league, both of which couldn’t really have turned out better for the Citizens. City’s results planned out pretty similar both halves of the season. There were a few minor bumps along the way with unwanted draws and losses but being top at Christmas and winning five out of the remaining six games to finish the season in 3^rd (their highest finish since 1977, claiming a Champions League place for the first time) gave little for the City faithful to complain about; and the small matter of an FA Cup winners medal, beating rivals United in a memorable semi-final along the way to end a 35 year wait for silverware, was the icing on the cake for the fans who had been through much heartache for the past three and a half decades.

Highlights of 2010/2011 – Final league position and FA Cup Winners were the outcomes of a very successful season and assured everyone that the team had more or less gelled as a winning unit.

Lowlights of 2010/2011 – Carlos Tevez handing in a transfer request halfway through the season cast doubts over the strikers’ long term future and disrupted goings on at the club which could have turned into a disaster. General nuisance of the mystery that is Mario Balotelli.

What to expect in 2011/2012

Can they take it one step further? With the success of last season, Mancini has all but cemented his position as manager, gaining the trust of the fans and the board, more or less. But the wrong set of results and a Champions League exit can all change the fortunes of a man sitting on top of the world…and a huge amount of money. But those are just nightmares in the otherwise dream state Mancini finds himself in. Keeping hold of talismanic striker Carlos Tevez will prove to be Mancini’s toughest job this summer and it is anyone’s guess whether he will still be playing for the club come September 10^th when they play host to Wigan. After the Corinthians bid fell through it is now up to Europe’s elite to try and take on the little Argentine with Inter reportedly leading the chase in a possible swap deal involving Eto’o or Maicon. Whatever happens, City will hope this saga will not drag on as much as that of Cesc Fabregas and his proposed move to Barcelona. With the acquisitions of Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy, City have bolstered their defence even more when it didn’t seem possible. Savic will more than likely provide back up for Kompany, Lescott and Toure at centre back and Clichy will certainly give Kolarov a run for his money at left back, providing pace and enthusiasm going forward and solidity on the back foot. At 25 years old Clichy could prove to be a more than decent signing at £7million. High profile names have come and gone the last few summers at Manchester City and this year proves to be no different. The capture of Sergio Aguero has broken City’s transfer record and is this summers’ stellar signing, so far. Costing City £38million, they can expect a real star in ‘El Kun’. A true professional of the game, playing to win at the highest level and not for money, or so he claims, Aguero is Maradona’s son-in-law and carries that reputation with him. He is the kind of player who can make a difference, light up the pitch with his pace and skill and can prove to be a real hit with City and the Premier League. Only exciting times lead the way for Mancini to follow and guide his squad of stars into right now.

Signings –

Costel Pantilimon, Poli Timisoara - Undisclosed

Stefan Savic, Partizan Belgrade - £6million

Gael Clichy, Arsenal - £7million

Sergio Aguero, Atletico Madrid - £38million

Other potential signings –

Samir Nasri, Arsenal - £22million

Wesley Sneijder, Inter - £35million/part of Tevez deal

Samuel Eto’o, Inter - £20million/part of Tevez deal

Maicon, Inter - £16million/part of Tevez deal

Gary Cahill, Bolton - £17million

Leighton Baines, Everton - £18million

Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal - £35million

Luka Modric, Tottenham - £30million

Juan Mata, Valencia - £22million

Departures –

Jerome Boateng, Bayern Munich - £11.5million

Shay Given, Aston Villa - £3.5million

Jo, Internacional – Undisclosed

Michael Johnson, Leicester – Loan

Shaleum Logan, Brentford – Free

Patrick Vieira – Retired

Other potential departures -

Carlos Tevez, Inter/Real Madrid/Juventus/Barcelona/Chelsea - £50million

Craig Bellamy, Celtic/Bolton/Blackburn/Fulham/Sunderland/Cardiff/Everton - £5million

Shaun Wright-Phillips, Bolton/Sunderland/Wigan/Fulham – £6million

Emmanuel Adebayor, Tottenham/Real Madrid/Blackburn/AC Milan - £12.5million or Loan

Wayne Bridge, Newcastle - £5million

Roque Santa Cruz, Blackburn – Undisclosed

Possible Starting XI

4-2-3-1

Hart

Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy/Kolarov

De Jong, Barry

Johnson/Milner, Toure, Silva

Aguero

If Nasri is signed

4-2-2-2

Hart

Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy/Kolarov

De Jong, Toure

Nasri, Silva

Ageuro, Balotelli/Dzeko

Alternative, If Tevez stays

4-1-2-3

Hart

Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy/Kolarov

De Jong

Silva, Toure

Aguero, Tevez, Balotelli

Second String XI

4-4-2

Pantilimon

Zabaleta, Savic, Toure K/Boyata, Wabara

Milner, Barry, Suarez, Johnson

Dzeko, Adebayor

Prediction

3^rd/4^th

With their current squad, City may find it difficult to cope with challenging for the premier league title and their first season in the Champions League. This is coming from inexperience In areas throughout the team but they have more than capable players to achieve these goals and in Mancini, have a multiple title winning manager who thrives on such pressure to deliver. If they are to fight for that Premier League Crown, City will have to beat a very strong Manchester United squad, an ever increasing Liverpool team and the experience of Chelsea to it. Mancini will have to be a little less defence minded this season and be more daring. They are more than capable of seeing off top sides with the little wizard Silva providing through balls to Aguero who is prolific anywhere inside the box. With a tall and strong defence, City should be covered if this new attacking style has some flaws in it. Gareth Barry may have to be sacrificed to watch on the side lines where it will be hard to fit all the £100+k salary stars onto and keep them happy for that matter; another possible problem Mancini has become so accustomed to over the past 19 months. Overall Mancini has a very strong side with an equally nice blend to it, in all areas that are capable of challenging for the highest honours in England and across Europe; it’s just a case of whether he can push on from last season’s success and lead city into a new era promised to the excitingly anticipating fans who have waited so long for days like these to come.