Manchester United 2012/13 Season Preview

Add as preferred source on Google

We take a look at Manchester United’s prospects leading up to the new Premier League season.

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Stadium: Old Trafford – 75,811

Nickname:  The Red Devils

2011/12 League Position: 2nd

Summer Signings

Shinji Kagawa – Borussia Dortmund – £17m

Nick Powell – Crewe – £4m

Robin Van Persie – Arsenal – £24m

Key Players

Wayne Rooney – United will be relying on Rooney for their main supply of goals as always. Everybody knows he’s a world class player; he’ll be looking to win the Golden Boot for the first time this season whilst reinstating United as Premier League Champions.

Antonio Valencia – This summer Valencia has been handed the famous number 7 shirt at Old Trafford – Surely a sign of his importance to the club.

Nemanja Vidic – Having their rock-solid captain back after a serious knee injury is a huge boost this season. Only time will tell how keenly United felt the absence of the Serbian last year, but four clean sheets and just two goals conceded in the Prem before he got injured suggest the 2010-11 Premier League Player of the year is indispensable.

Likely Line-Up

Team Tactics

• United should play 4-4-1-1 with Carrick sitting and Kagawa bombing forward.
• Valencia and Young will get down the wings, with Rooney dropping deep to collect the ball and control the game.
• Despite criticism, they have tons of midfield options, so expect Scholes, Giggs, Cleverley, Nani and Anderson to see plenty of action.

Opening Fixtures

August 20^th Everton (A), 25^th Fulham (H), September 2^nd Southampton (A), 15^th Wigan (H), 23^rd Liverpool (A), 29^th Tottenham (H)

Verdict

The main goal for the Alex Ferguson this season will be retaking the Premier League title from rivals Manchester City. The fans will also expect a good run in the Champions League too, after their shock exit in the group stage last year.

United have signed two great players in Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa. Plus, with Nemanja Vidic back from injury they’ll certainly be a much stronger side. The younger players in the side are now mature enough to make a massive impact in the first team.

Sir Alex will be more eager than ever to win back his title, and I think United may just do it! 1st