New Era vs Old Ways

New Era vs Old Ways

It seems for the first time Manchester United will be seen by many fans and clubs as the underdog. A new manager and a new era. Since the appointment of David Moyes there has been questions floating around Old Trafford whether he'll be able to control all the personalities and egos that remain. Alex Ferguson wasn't the overall factor on a player's discipline, past players had it within themselves, they knew 'the jersey they wore', they knew the history of the club and what it stood for, and more importantly they wanted to serve Manchester United, and even though we continue into a new era, these factors shouldn't change.

On that front solely I believe nothing will really change, of course the players will feel a sense of freedom, but as long as Moyes is able to carry on the tradition and legacy passed down from Sir Matt to Sir Alex no player will feel bigger than the club. Along with the contribution of the senior players such as Giggs and supposed return of Phil Neville in the back room it won't make the transformation too rocky. However there will be notable changes, some we won't like and some we will. More importantly it is vital that we do not turn our backs on Moyes' decisions at the first sign of trouble. 

In a recent interview however, Moyes stated that he needed to earn his stars with the players. In my view his first mistake. It should be players earning their stars with him. Earning a place in his team, no player is guaranteed to play every game. Saying this before he has even took charge some players may take advantage, forget discipline and this will eventually lead to poor results. I hope this is not the case and the players help Moyes and pull together in the 'United Way'.

I'm really looking forward to the first battle with newly returned manager Jose Mourinho, both managers are brilliant tactically so it will be great to see what results occur. I hope Moyes sticks with the veteran formation of 4-4-2/4-4-1-1, I don't think any other formation suits Manchester United, of course we tried the diamond a season or so ago, and it had mixed reviews although 80% of the time results went our way with it, a high percentage you may think, being that in a whole season we only tried it a dozen times. I'm looking forward on what his tactics will be, what changes he makes, and all eyes are on who he brings in. Questions on whether he will raid Everton with Fellani and Baines, the possible outgoing of Nani, Anderson and Rooney.

I still believe that Manchester United will be contenders in retaining our title, along with Chelsea and Manchester City, some are deeming the 13-14 season as the most competitive yet, I agree, from what I have seen of Manuel Pellegrini he's a good tactical manager, however Spanish and English football are two different ends of the spectrum, it will be interesting to see what he achieves, the question over City will be if in one season he can match the owners ambitions.

The reasons for sacking Mancini I still believe are ludicrous, 5 managers in the past 10 years? No consistency, a new manager, over ambitious owners and an endless piggy bank I think Manchester City will see a  number of managers going through the exit door in the next 10 years, with their trophy cabinet collecting dust.

I'm hoping David Moyes will get full support from us fans, when I say 'fans' I mean those who grew up reds. Fans, who all they wanted for Christmas and Birthday was some tickets to a game or a form of memorabilia. Not the fans who groan when we play poorly or declare after 2 poor games they want Moyes out. Hardcore fans will back our new manager and get behind the team.

For me the teams to watch this season are definitely Chelsea and United, I think City will be better than last season but will they have champion spirit? Arsenal are on the rise again with Tottenham in hot pursuit, it will be extremely competitive this season and I can't wait for it to start!