Manchester United Will Finish second, Chelsea Will Finish first

1. He [Ferguson] would also have liked to hold on to Carlos Queiroz, who became Portugal manager this summer. In addition to his considerable tactical input, Queiroz offered important language skills, with Nani, Carlos Tevez and Anderson still “adjusting to the English language.”

Queiroz leaving was certainly a massive blow to United. He brought with him new tactics and new methods for how things were to be run. He was organised differently to Ferguson and introduced things that otherwise would have been overlooked.

However, just because he’s gone, it doesn’t mean that all the positives he implemented will suddenly be forgotten. The improvements he brought in behind the scenes will all still be ticking over nicely.

With the language skills being referred to, if it’s such a problem, we’ll hire a bloody translator! Christ, it’s not rocket science is it?

2. There are problems on the pitch too. The absence of an orthodox central striker, which seemed like an oddity or even a tactical innovation last season, could be a real problem this time around—it was certainly dreadfully apparent during the Community Shield. The team that kicks off against Newcastle on Saturday will be without Ronaldo, Louis Saha and possibly also Wayne Rooney. Fraizer Campbell was terrific in the Championship for Hull last season, but Ferguson won’t be comfortable relying exclusively on him, especially with imminent trips to Liverpool and Chelsea. Given how strong the latter look, this is not a season in which to make a slow start.

I have already addressed above why not having a new striker is not the "problem" people would make out it is. We have shown ourselves to be the best team in England, as well as winning the European Cup, without an out-and-out striker. The fact that we still don’t have one isn’t a sudden drastic problem that desperately needs resolving.

However, Ronay seems to think that Chelsea and Liverpool are looking strong ahead of the new season. So, because Chelsea have signed another 30-year-old midfielder and have employed a coach who has no experience of European domestic football, they now look stronger than the second placed team they were of last season?

Liverpool have added Robbie Keane to their squad and if he replicates his form from Spurs, he will certainly improve their chances. However, let’s not forget they finished fourth last season and to think that the introduction of one striker is going to improve them to the degree they need improving is naive.

Benitez has brought in a few other unknowns from around Europe, but Liverpool’s aim this season will have to be closing the gap of 11 points between them and number one last season, not pushing for the title.

3. United were rescued in numerous matches last season by timely and inspired interventions from their roving winger and leading scorer. It seems almost inconceivable Ronaldo could be so influential on so many occasions this time around. Ferguson has talked about giving Rooney more attacking responsibility this season. If United are to maintain last season’s standards, Rooney will need to rise to it.

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