A New United


So, the season about to start today, and the major transfers almost done now, there's plenty of excitement surrounding the BPL start.

There have been 'n' number of questions aimed at United after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. Can United cope without Ronaldo? Who will score the goals now? Has the creative power of United gone? Can the gen-next of United step up to fill in the boots? Is Sir Alex right in keeping faith in his current squad? etc. etc. They'll never stop and so won't Manchester United!

The Community Shield last Sunday provided a glimpse of United without Ronaldo and Tevez. It also gave an opportunity for Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia to showcase what they're capable of. And I didn't see the mind-blowing football that maybe Ronaldo would have provided if he was still here. But everyone saw one thing. That United are not going to give away their crown so easily. That United are ready to fight until the finish.

Ferguson has not made any big-name signing after the 80m pounds transfer of Ronaldo and he insists that he has full faith in his squad. But many pundits are speculating that will this faith backfire? One thing's for sure. Due to Sir Alex, the coach's faith in his players, the players are sure to receive some boost. They will not think that they need a leader like Ronaldo anymore. Sir Alex's faith means he'll receive an improved performance from every single United player this season.

This situation is similar to that of the summer of 2006 when Chelsea had won back-to-back EPL titles under Mourinho and were looking hell-bent on adding a third. Ruud Van Nistelrooy's goals had dried up and the lone summer signing, Michael Carrick, was talented but unproven. What happened then? The Blues' run was halted, the existing players upped their level of performance and the 1st of the 3 EPL titles to follow was in the bag!

Claiming a fourth title in a row and making a record would be tough, as is always. But with Ronaldo gone, it promises to be much tougher. Also with Chelsea having Ancellotti at the helm, Liverpool not much changed and looking strong, Arsenal's young guns maturing and with Manchester City spending big, there are surely more hurdles for United this season.

The matches start today. The whole world will be watching. But the most intriguing spectre will be at Old Trafford, as the rest of the Premier League holds a magnifying glass to the new United.

Finally, after a summer filled with only questions for United, we will definitely get some answers.
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