Manchester United: 5 Reasons Why United Will Win the League

Sergio Aguero's 93rd-minute winner against Queens Park Rangers to conclude last season continues to haunt Manchester United fans.

Even now, as United begin a new campaign on a blank slate—with fresh new signings—the pain of last season's penultimate matchup at Eastlands has not healed.

If Manchester United win back their crown, that could change.

As the game against Everton draws near, and the Red Devils embark on Sir Alex Ferguson's record 26th season in charge, here are five reasons why United can bring the title back to Old Trafford.

Don't forget, every time Sir Alex Ferguson's side finish second, they win the league the next year.

Best Strike Force in the World

Last year, for the first time in Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure, the Red Devils lost the title on goal difference. Simply put, Manchester City scored more goals and conceded less than United.

By splashing the cash on striker Robin van Persie, young Chilean Henriquez and Shinji Kagawa, United now arguably have the greatest striking options in the world.

Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov (should he stay), Van Persie and Kagawa as well as youngsters Will Keane, Henriquez and Federico Macheda offer the Red Devils amazing depth.

Surely, scoring will no longer be an issue for Manchester United.

Not every player will start in top form, but the competition for places up front will encourage even better performances from all of the strikers.

The last time that United had so many prolific forwards was in 1998-99, with Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United led the goal-scoring table with 18 more goals than next place Arsenal.

Surely, with even more variety and with even more talented players now, the Reds will lead the table on goal difference once again?

Nemanja Vidic

The return of Nemanja Vidic to United's defense will be a massive boost to the squad. Not only is he the club's captain, Vidic is a solid rock in the United defense. At his best, he can be the best defender in the world.

Just look at his stats.

Last season, Manchester United conceded 31 goals (roughly 0.96 goals per game) and kept 16 clean sheets (one clean sheet in every two games) in the 32 games without Vidic.

In six matches with him, United conceded only two goals (0.33 goals per game) and kept four clean sheets (two clean sheets in every three games).

It's a small sample size, but just imagine how much better United's defense would have been had the Serbian not been injured a season ago.

With Vidic back, United will surely concede fewer goals. In turn, this will further improve the club's goal-difference tally.

Improving David de Gea

David de Gea received much criticism during the early part of last season, but the young Spaniard recovered and put in some much improved performances.

If there was an award for the most improved player on the team, it should have definitely gone to the young goalkeeper.

De Gea finished the season with league's best save-to-shots ratio at 78 percent (via Opta Sports), which is better than more established goalkeepers Petr Cech and Pepe Reina.

Given United's defensive frailties last season, De Gea's 13 clean sheets are an impressive figure, especially considering that it was the Olympian's first season in the top flight.

After gaining experience as Spain's No. 1 in the Olympics, expect a much improved De Gea in United's goal this season.

Creative Midfield

The signing of Shinji Kagawa, one of Europe's brightest young attacking midfielders, will be a major boost to a side that was criticized for their lack of creativity a season ago.

Ferguson had to deploy Rooney in an unfamiliar midfield role and recall a retired Paul Scholes to inject any creative flair into United's game in 2011-12.

Last season, in the physical German league, Kagawa scored 18 goals and notched a league-high 10 assists from an attacking midfield position. His average of two key passes per game and his 55.6 percent through-ball accuracy (via ESPN) illustrate his creative genius. There's no surprise that Kagawa is often referred to as the next Andres Iniesta.

In addition, United midfielder Tom Cleverley will return from injury, along with familiar faces Scholes, Anderson and new signing Nick Powell.

If that's not enough, according to The Daily Mail, Real Madrid midfielder Kaka could be joining United this season.

Best Wingers in the League

With Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Nani and veteran Ryan Giggs, the Red Devils posses arguably the fastest and most impressive group of wingers in the Premier League.

Ashley Young's play continues to vary, as do his crosses. However, with eight goals from his wide position in 2011-12, he has proven that he is also a competent goal-scoring threat.

Meanwhile, Nani's flair makes him a tricky threat to opposing defenses, particularly on the counter.

In my opinion, Valencia was United's best player last season. He led the league with 14 assists, and his crosses show a consistency not seen at Old Trafford since David Beckham's departure.

Given the arrival of Van Persie and the aerial threat that he can pose, Valencia's crosses could become even more vital next season.