Manchester United: Fighting A Force Stronger Than Any Rival

As some of the outward forces seem to be increasing, the bigger threat to a number nineteen title for Manchester United is not Chelsea, Arsenal or City.

It's not even one of their oldest rivals in Liverpool, although all of these teams seem to pose some threat, they don't account for the main reason United are playing the way they are.

Been an avid United fan for as long as i remember, watching them religiously for many years now, I have been able to like many of you to identify "Why Manchester United are so good?"

Well my reasons are based on performances in the last fifteen years or so, and obviously having only watched them play during the Fergie era, and during the team's strongest period in some ways are bias.

But I do acknowledge the fact that history salutes some of the best portions of the 60's, 70's and 80's when Liverpool ruled English football and won countless trophies.

So have Arsenal during the 1930's and as most recent as 2002 and 2003 when they seemed to be getting back into winning ways.

But for many of us, having been born in the 80's and beyond, we have been treated to Manchester United as the King of England, having won eleven titles in the last twenty one years. With Chelsea chipping in with three as well (four in total).

So Manchester United have undoubtedly been stronger under Sir Alex Ferguson, and apart from the League, there has been countless other trophies won in the last 25 years of his time at Old Trafford.

So back to title, in my opinion, United's biggest force against them and for them, is the belief and passion with which their play.

We watch Barcelona play some of the most beautiful football, passing and movement that makes you want to just smile.

We watch Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, AC Milan all of whom play beautiful football at times but none of whom show the belief and desire in the most crucial of situations like United.

Many might criticize me and say that every team and every player on the pitch plays with the belief to win, and that one cannot be compared to the other.

Taking you back to 1993, when two Eric Cantona goals and a late goal from Roy Keane saw United triumph over City rivals after going down 2-0.

1999, the Golden year in the history of Manchester United, a game that will long be remember by both United and Liverpool fans when the Reds led 1-0 after an Owen goal. Late in the second half Yorke equalized (88 minutes), and while many taught that was it, Ole Gunnar Solskjær beat the entire Liverpool defense to and put the ball in the goal giving United a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Of course amongst the greatest comebacks, the Champions League final in Barcelona when Bayern Munich taught they have it in the bag, only to concede two late goals, giving United the European Crown.

These are all examples of the determination and belief that is engraved in every Manchester United player right from the academy through the youth team, reserve and first team.

To fight till the very end, with the understanding that so long as we continue to push and try, their is a possibility that we could succeed.

In recent weeks we have seen United comeback against Blackpool after been 2-0 down, a comeback to Southampton after going a goal down.

As a manager the biggest success in my opinion is too witness new and young players, playing with the desire, passion and belief that no matter the situation, we can still do it. Watching Javier Hernandez as one of many examples, you will see a player who has those characteristics within him already.

If United wish to topple Liverpool in terms of titles currently on 18 a piece, it's this belief that will get them there.

Of course ability, skills and good performances are required, but we know United have that, so does Arsenal, Chelsea, City, Spurs and Liverpool. But how you use your abilities and how you master your mentality and approach is the most important factor.

Liverpool spent just under £60 million, Chelsea £70 million, City around £30 million and United £3.7 million in the last transfer.

In no way am i criticizing the spending spree, but asking the question. While certain transfers can be argued, why spend so much on new players, when you have quality within the team who are not getting the correct management. At the same time, why not spend money on a team, that lacks quality players or more experienced players but are managed well....

Football and the business side has clashed and there's no way going back, so we have to deal with it. We accept that Liverpool required some saving, and if Saurez and Carrol will do that, then it's all good, but don't spend £35 million on a player that's worth £15 million or £20 million. If you willing to spend money and lots of it, why didn't Liverpool put down £15 million for Charlie Adam.

But that aside, having big names in your side is one thing, getting results from them is another...and for years now we have seen Sir Alex produce results from what ever team he puts out.

Clear plan of action, determined players, brilliant work rate and team performance, great sense of belief and passion for the game, that's the answer to winning the league...