Manchester United 2011: 5 Upcoming Highlights in the Season's Second Month

Manchester United have an undeniable history of slow starts in the Premier League. In 2010-2011, Sir Alex Ferguson's team only managed 14 points out of a possible 24 point in 8 games, leading many critics to suggest United couldn't manage it without the likes of Tevez anymore.

On 12th August 2011, United captain Nemanja Vidic called on United to make a fast start to the new season, prior to the match against West Bromwich Albion. With the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool strengthening their squads, albeit for mostly world class players, United had no option but to get out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt (let it be noted he would like to play for United one day).

With Manchester City romping to victory in such unexpected fashion (given the defensive mindset of the team in seasons past), Liverpool playing like a team that won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and Chelsea slowly adjusting to the new style of play employed by their new manager, United bolted out in the first 3 games of the season and in style. The 3-0 win over Tottenham as well as the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal (where the average age of the United squad was 23 in both games) has given fans and rival teams alike, something to think about. 

What can be expected of United in the coming month?

1. The Return of Chicharito

Javier Hernandez (aka Chicharito), took the footballing world by storm in 2010/2011.

United agreed a deal to bring Chicharito to Manchester on 8 April 2010 subject to a work permit application, which was granted on 27th May 2010. On 1st July 2010, he was officially a Manchester United player and perhaps the signing of the century thus far.

It is said that coming to Manchester United often creates, rather than breaks, great players.

In his first season, Chicharito scored some of the Premier League's most outrageous goals. His ingenuity and genuine passion for scoring goals—his "predatory instinct" as Sir Alex likes to call it— allowed him to be the first player since Ruud Van Nistelrooy to score more than 20 goals in his debut season. He capped off the season by winning the SIr Matt Busby Player of the Year Award voted by the fans of Manchester United (not to mention he scored a goal within 26 seconds of the game against Chelsea at Old Trafford, which effectively helped United to clinch the title). 

In 2011, Chicharito took another giant step in his career with the Mexican International Team, playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament as well as the top scorer with seven goals. Mexico, on a side note, also won the Gold Cup. Just another medal to add to his collection.

Big things will  be expected of Chicharito in the coming month. Sidelined by injury in August, there is no doubt he will be back in September. With Rooney already displaying his excitement to play with Chicharito again, there is no doubt that this coming month will prove vital to Chicharito's season as well as United's. 

2. English Premier League, League Cup, UEFA Champions League: All in One Month

September will be one of the most important months for United for the following reasons:

English Premier League:

10 Sept: Bolton Wanderers (Away)

18 Sept: Chelsea (Home)

24 Sept: Stoke City (Away)

League Cup:

20 Sept: Leeds United (Away)

UEFA Champions League (Group Stage):

14 Sept: Benfica (Away)

27 Sept: FC Basel (Home)

United have an away game at Bolton in the Premier League (proven difficult in the past), an away game in Portugal (against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League in midweek), followed by a home game against Chelsea. These fixtures are vital in every sense in order to evaluate the strength of United's current young crop, as well as their desire to win.

There is no doubt that playing a UEFA Champions League game away, followed by a home game against Chelsea will be the pick of September. Sir Alex has stated that he wants to emulate Barcelona and re-arrange a meeting with the Catalan Giants in the Champions League Final again. The first game against Benfica will be the first step towards this. As always, the first Champions League game will prove vital.

The home game against Chelsea could be even more vital. United will face a squad of genuine quality and it will be the best measure to see how United's kids can challenge genuinely talented squads, such as Chelsea. An injury depleted Arsenal (and Tottenham for that matter), were perhaps not the best gauge to measure the talent on.

It seems United vs. Chelsea could be the pivotal point this month.

3. Paul Pogba: The Arrival

Some have heard of Paul Pogba, few believe he will be successful at United. Fewer, however, would argue with Sir Alex Ferguson on the matter.

Paul Pogba burst onto the scene in 2009 when he moved from French Outfit, Le Havre, to become part of the Under-18s at Old Trafford. Part of the team's Youth Cup Success, he proved to  be vital against Chelsea in the Youth Cup Semi-Final first leg where he demonstrated his genuine midfield prowess, power and skill.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently stated that Pogba is likely to be involved in the League Cup fixture against Leeds United (remember them?) on 20th September 2011 at Elland Road.

Having being promoted to the first team recently, Sir Alex Ferguson stated that it is the first step that he needs to take. Once he demonstrates his abilities in the first team, the possibilities are endless.

Note that Pogba is only 18. He must be doing something right if he now trains with the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Giggs.

4. Vidic, Valencia and Ferdinand: The Return

In all the hype surrounding United's Young Guns, some seem to have forgotten that the team which started against Arsenal didn't include United Captain Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia or Rio Ferdinand—all due to injuries.

September is when they return. 

Phil Jones and Jonny Evans seem to have filled in defensive boots of Ferdinand and Vidic so perfectly, it seems pundits and fans alike, have no qualms about the defensive side of United. Phil Jones has been a revelation thus far and few expected him to settle into the back four so quickly.

United displayed plenty of defensive frailties in the past few seasons and this, in particular, has led to slow starts for United as well. This season however, United have started with a bang. It seems that even though their two central defenders (in the form of Ferdinand and Vidic) have been unavailable in two of the three Premier League games played, their defence has remained rock solid. Make-shift right back, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have proved Sir Alex Ferguson right (Yes, He is right... once again).

The return of Ferdinand and Vidic is only likely to tighten the defensive strings of Manchester United, while giving United quality depth to rotate their players as the busy fixtures begin in September.

And what gives for Antonio Valencia? Or rather, who gives? Valencia has been a quiet, yet pivotal signing for United since the departure of one Cristiano Ronaldo (somewhat famous). He provided genuine crosses, genuine width, strength and pace down the touchline, with the occasional goal here and there. However, the game against FC Barcelona in the UEFAChampions League Final proved that he still has things to learn.

Given the signing of Ashley Young, the slow but steady rise of Ji-Sung Park and the theatrics of Nani, it seems that there is no space for Antonio Valencia. He may not get chosen for the big games, but we all know that in a season there are more games against smaller opposition, rather than similar opposition. This is where he will be key. To be able to rotate Nani off and bring Valencia in, is almost like Sir Alex Ferguson having a cheat card up his sleeve. To be able to bring on a player of such quality, it seems, few teams in the world have. He will be back and he will be vital.

David De Gea: The Rise of United's Keeper

There is absolutely no doubt that this kid will be world class. There is also no doubt that he has made mistakes in his first few games. Everyone that has watched a United game this season, has seen highlights of any United games or simply watched the news, has seen some of the errors he has made.

In United's defensive armour, it seems the David De Gea is THE weak link. Teams have come out and said that they will target De Gea specifically (notably Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale). Now in all honesty, this suggests:

1. Teams can find no fault at all with the rest of the United Squad—they are afraid of the United Squad.

2. Everyone always targets a keeper. He is the one standing between you and a goal. This is common knowledge. There is no point in trying to affect his confidence and mindset because De Gea has proved that he has confidence in his abilities and has tremendous compusure—key to becoming a great goalkeeper.

3. He is young. He is only 20 years old. You cannot compare him to Edwin Van der Sar (retired at 40), Gianluigi Buffon (33), Iker Casillas (30), Petr Cech (29), and Pepe Reina (29). De Gea himself admits he has plenty to learn, but where, other than Manchester United, is he going to get the best foundation and training to take him to that elite group of goalkeepers?

De Gea will get match experience against the likes of Chelsea in the Premier League in September as well as being exposed to more European Games against Benfica and FC Basel. He will face the hostile fans away at Bolton.

Many underestimate his abilities, yet it seems we often remember things that people do wrong rather than what they do right. Should we forget the penalty save against Robin Van Persie? Should we forget some of the saves his made against West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham AND Arsenal?

It also appears that those making the most judgements about his ability, are those that have either never played as a goalkeeper or are 30 years his senior.

De Gea will prove to be a revelation for Manchester United for years to come, beginning with the month of September.