Bold Predictions for Manchester United's EPL Opener Against Swansea

Manchester United have scored just twice in their last two matches away to Swansea and last season could only take a 1-1 draw away from Liberty Stadium.

The Welsh side represents a tricky opening-day test for the reigning Premier League champions, and given that it will also be David Moyes’ first league match as United manager following his move from Everton, the Red Devils will be under even more pressure to bring all three points back north.

The schedule-maker wasn’t exactly kind in putting together a difficult set of early-season fixtures for Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor. Following the Swansea trip, United will host Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea before going back on the road to face arch rivals Liverpool, at Anfield.

Three weeks later Moyes will welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford in his first Manchester Derby. And in the context of such a challenging start to the campaign United will surely be anxious to ensure they at least enter the win column against Swansea.

It should be a highly-entertaining match played at a quick tempo, and if Swansea have taught us anything over their two-year stay in the Premier League it’s that they’ll give as good as they get.

The following five slides will reveal a handful of predictions for the August 17 encounter—a look less than two months into the future at one of opening weekend’s most fascinating fixtures.

Michael Laudrup Will Be in Charge of Swansea

Earlier this month rumours swirled that Swansea manager Michael Laudrup was set to depart the club following a deterioration of his relationship with chairman Huw Jenkins.

Moneybags and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, were thought to be keen on bringing the Dane to the French capital, and it had been reported that former Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen was already in the frame to take over at Liberty Stadium. (Mirror)

But things seem to have gone quiet on the Laudrup front, and the 49-year-old continues to insist he’ll still be at Swansea when the 2013-14 Premier League campaign kicks off on August 17.

You can take him at his word.

Thiago Alcantara Will Be in Manchester United’s Matchday Squad

Thiago Alcantara scored a hat-trick in the European U-21 Championship final on Tuesday and was the star of a Spain team that captured a second successive underage title.

The 22-year-old midfielder also completed more than 93 percent of the passes he attempted at the tournament—confirming his status as one of Europe’s most capable young pass-masters.

But with Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas entrenched in Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona squad, it would seem as though Thiago will have to go elsewhere in search of first-team football.

United, who are already thought to be interested in him, are among his best options and could certainly use a playmaking midfielder to operate alongside Michael Carrick next season.

In other words, don’t be surprised if Moyes triggers Thiago’s £18 million release clause in the next few weeks and has him in his match-day squad at Liberty Stadium.

Swansea Will Score First

It’s not all about United.

Swansea laid down their credentials by winning the League Cup last season—an achievement they reached by consistently playing attractive, free-flowing football.

Michu, who scored 18 Premier League goals in 2012-13, will pose the most serious challenge to the United defense on August 17, but wide attackers Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer could get some joy against the United full-backs as well.

Look for Swansea to come out strong in front of their home fans and even nick the first goal of the match.

Wayne Rooney Will Start for United

Talk of Wayne Rooney leaving United has rather quieted in recent weeks following intense speculation that he was headed to one of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea or Arsenal. (Metro)

Upon return from holiday the England forward will sit down with manager David Moyes to hash out his future, and at this point there’s nothing to suggest the new United boss won’t do his best to convince one of the club’s best players to remain.

Rooney has twice requested a transfer out of Old Trafford, but on neither occasion did former manager Sir Alex Ferguson acquiesce.

The two had an interesting, if not confrontational relationship, and a new face in the dugout might be just the thing to settle Rooney going into next season.

On form, the 27-year-old is among the best (if not the best) players in the Premier League—a versatile playmaker who turns his attacking teammates into weapons while posing a constant threat of goal.

No doubt Moyes would prefer to have that sort of player with him rather than against him as he starts his United career.

United Won’t Win (They’ll Draw)

United are notoriously slow starters, and a match away from home against a high-spirited opponent has “draw” written all over it.

Both teams will find the back of the net, but clean sheets are hard enough to come by at the start of the season as it is, and United won’t post one at Liberty Stadium to kick off the campaign.