A bold statement I know, considering last year United finished 7th. But those saying it's a big ask to go from 7th to 4th need to take two important things in to account. 1. Moyes was in charge and he was dreadful. 2. United have spent big on players that are going to make a huge difference because they are top class. In this weeks video blog I discuss why I think United won't just make the top 4 but could surprise people and push for the title. I certainly think if they beat Leicester on Sunday and click in to gear they'll push Chelsea all the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdEHDlgK1VY But if that happens who drops out. For me it's Liverpool. Arsenal look worse off but they always make it which leave Liverpool as the fall guys.
Chelsea will win the league they have the most settled team and the rest of the league are dropping points left right and center. Though a injury to Costa could **** them up.
Bit too early to call, as only four games have been played. But United have made some major signings, and City, Arsenal and Liverpool hardly look sides who can maintain consistency. I still think Abramovic and Jose will have a big bust up, both have massive ego's with neither willing to give way. All looks very interesting over the next few weeks
Despite all the posturing from all sides, nobody will be in the slightest bit surprised. 2nd 3rd or 4th are all achievable. Too early to say the title. Thats for next season.
Chelsea will win the league, simply because they have a strong team, and there manager does whatever it take to win. He'll play anti football with 1 man up front and bore everyone to tears all season, if he thinks it will give his side the best chance of winning. I can definitely see us getting top 4. Top 2 isn't completely unthinkable, as I feel Man City will lack motivation having won it last year, whilst Arsenal still don't have a decent striker. Liverpool are a very average side, that where carried by a goal scoring machine last season, and the referees awarding them a penalty everytime they where in any bother. They will not get anywhere near title contention this season, and I can't even see them making the top 4.
In fairness I've sort of guaranteed and written off Chelsea and Man City as top two. However, I'm not overly impressed with City and think they've made the same mistake as the last time they won the title in that they've not rejuvenated their attacking options. It's the same old Silva, Nasri, Aguero etc. Which whilst good isn't on the level of Chelsea or United if they click like we expect. City could end up in the 3rd/4th equation quite easily.
Every team except Chelsea will be inconsistent. Each will leave an open door for the others to get ahead only to find they will get pegged back later. In short I expect a continuous changing of positions between United, Liverpool, Arsenal until the new year at least. I don't think any of these 3 will open up a gap until then (and maybe even longer). Then it will be about who can put a run together and get some momentum...squeaky bum time!
If results go our way this weekend we could be 4 points from top possibly 5 point off leaders Villa lol
With regards results this weekend, and this does sound far fetched because I don't expect United to challenge for the title, we could do with City beating Chelsea.
And so it follows, that if you play more open, attacking football, you will inevitably concede more goals. I dont think we have got the balance right just yet, and some of our personnel aren't used to playing this system. JT for instance. Our defence is used to blocking build up play whilst the opposition has a lions share of the possession. Now, we are finding ourselves having to defend quick counter attacks, which may require a tad more pace than JT has for instance. But we will get there, I think we may sign a defender in January.
Not necessarily mate, United 2007-2008 season was all about attack and conceded fck all (scored the most and conceded the least in the league). I think what I've found dull about watching chelsea (and I'm honestly not having a pop here) is that even when you're scoring goals, your attack is still very direct with very little flair or exciting football. I think the best way I can explain it is compare the exciting football Chelsea played with Robben, Duff and Joe Cole, to the way they've played ever since? Edit: btw just looked up the 2004-2005 season and Chelsea and Arsenal that season were also great examples of playing attacking football and conceding modestly.
This huge deal has been made about our defence but we come 2nd only to Villa on goals conceded, yet Chelsea have let in twice as many. Chelsea better sort it out because they will soon dry up and 1 goal wont win them a game
Thats because we had the defenders who were used to our system, ditto with you guys in 2008. JT and Cahill aren't used to being exposed to quick breaks like this and they are finding it more difficult to cope. JT is great positionally and will throw himself in front of anything or anyone, but the weakness in his game has always been a lack of pace, and when you have players running at the defence at full speed, our defence keeps backing off (like they are afraid), instead of committing to a challenge and risk letting the player through or conceding a foul. You could see it plain as day against Schalke, they ran at us, we back off deeper and deeper, till Huntelaar had the room and space to shoot.
Concede a load of goals and you will win **** all. Ive no doubt jose will reduce the attacking side in ordee to protect his defence as the season goes on. Anywau chelsea have startes like this before.
Indeed, usually by February/March we start dropping silly points. But not under Jose we didn't, except for last year, when we performed above my expectations at least. i didnt expect us to challenge for the title for as long as we did.
