I have to start by saying that I feel extremely. . . weird about the whole RVP to United thing. I haven't paid much attention to the whole saga throughout the summer as I assumed he would be headed, like so many of his previous teammates, to the other Manchester club. He will have only had a few days of full training so I don't expect him to play much of a role in the game tomorrow (or will he start, SAF? Who knows what that man is thinking!). Undoubtedly, his passing, vision, and creativity will lessen the pressure on Berbatov, I mean Rooney, and open up more space on the wings for Nani, Valencia (heretofore referred to as TONY V), and Welbeck to attack defenses from wide. I look forward to watching Rooney and RVP playing together, their respective hairstyles battling for the title of 'oldest looking EPL striker'. (If this is confusing, please see: http://www.funkyhead.co.uk/trends/hair-transplants/ and this one: http://www.trulyreds.com/20120818/in-fergie-we-will-always-trust/).
United's problem this season will be in the midfield (assuming Rio can coax another year of running out of his creaky back and assuming Vidic comes back healthy and somewhat close to his 100% best). United has lacked a focal central midfielder for a few years now- someone who played like Cesc Fabregas for Arsenal or like Xavi continues to do so for Barcelona. Paul Scholes, a legend no doubt, has an amazing ability to deliver 60+ yard balls to the feet of players unlike any other player in today's game. Yet he doesn't strike fear into opponents defenders because his game is about speed of play and switching the ball- it's easy to keep these plays in front of defenses and much easier to predict where the ball will go. Scholes, that beautiful gingy with a penchant for terribly timed slide tackles, will never conform (nor should he) to the tiki-taka style of Barcelona and the Spanish National Team. I predict 9 goals in all competitions, 7 yellow cards, 1 straight red, and consistently red hair for Scholesy this season.
United's other central midfielders- Anderson, Cleverly, Carrick, Fletcher, Phil Jones (don't even get me started on his hair), and I'll toss in Ryan Giggs for good measure- have been inconsistent to say the least over the last 3 years. Anderson has all the athletic attributes you want in a hounding midfielder- he's fast, can run the whole game, tracks back on defense well, and distracts people with his dreadlocks while running. Unfortunately his poor first touch and penchant for lengthy stays on the injured list have limited his contribution the last few years. Cleverly, one of the few young English players in the United team, showed great vision and maturity at the start of last season. He's got the quality, the only question is whether he can stay fit and stand up to the pressure of performing at a club like United weak in and weak out. Michael Carrick is consistently inconsistent. His passing is great when he's on. When he's misfiring he appears to be in an almost catatonic face- expressionless and stiff bodied. Phil Jones is a defender who had bleached tips at one point last year so I will not discuss his midfield pedigree further. That brings us to my favorite adulterer, Ryan Giggs. I'm taking the over on 38.5 times a commentator will call Giggsy "evergreen" this season. The man seems to want to play footy until he dies- and I can't blame him. Hopefully one of the young guns (Anderson and Cleverly, I'm staring directly at YOU) can step up and take some of the pressure (and minutes) off of Giggs. His playing time will be significantly decreased this year but he is a benefit to the team for his experience and amazingly trimmed permanent 5 o'clock shadow. I would love to have a beer with him one day.
Now, predictions:
Champion: United- SAF will refuse to lose this year after squandering the title last year.
Player of the Year: Aguero (if healthy). Could also see Rooney, Silva, or Hazard (assuming he plays enough at Chelsea).
Better Season- Post vs Crossbar: I'm taking post over crossbar in a narrow decision. Post started off strong last year but crossbar made a great comeback during the second half of the season.
Craziest thing Balotelli will do this year: Demand a transfer to the New York Red Bulls of An MLS
IN SAF WE TRUST.
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