Man Utd 2007/08 preview

Discussion in 'Manchester United FC' started by CelticKing, Aug 9, 2007.

  1. CelticKing

    CelticKing The Green Monster

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    <h2 class="ss-header hstyle2">Man Utd 2007/08 preview</h2><h3>Premier League champions intent on domination</h3><p class="ss-text-bold">Sir Alex Ferguson's squad will inevitably draw envy from the pretenders, after United defied the odds to break Chelsea's stranglehold on the Premier League title last season. </p>

    Inspired by Portuguese wizard Cristiano Ronaldo, The Red Devils have developed a pacey, free-flowing brand of football that has earned praise from football lovers nationwide. </p>

    UEFA Champions League and FA Cup glory proved elusive as the strains of the league told at the tail end of the campaign, but Ferguson has been rewarded since, in what can only be seen as a clear signal of intent. </p>

    Having battled hard to tie multiple award winner Ronaldo down to a new long-term deal, the champions have worked equally hard to ensure his stay at Old Trafford with the addition of some of the world's classiest up-and-coming talent. </p>

    United have forked out a whopping �50million in the off-season, as Ferguson looks to find long-term replacements for ageing OT legends Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. </p><h4>Transition</h4>

    Playmaker Scholes was a revelation after returning from an eye injury last term, but the �17million arrival of England international Owen Hargreaves must surely take some of the pressure off his shoulders. </p>

    Portuguese winger Nani has been brought in for �14million to save Giggs' legs meanwhile, but Brazilian wonderkid Anderson, 19, also favours the left flank. </p>

    Both offer pace and flair in abundance, and it is not yet clear whether the �17million Porto ace will be employed as a creative midfielder or front man. </p>

    What is certain is that West Ham United's saviour Carlos Tevez will provide a potent goal threat alongside Wayne Rooney, and if Louis Saha can stay fit United will surely be capable of bedevilling all-comers. </p>

    Defensively, goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszcsak has completed his permanent transfer, but injured England star Ben Foster (knee) is tipped to provide the biggest threat to Edwin van der Sar's number one jersey in the long-run. </p>

    Stoppers Johnny Evans and Gerard Pique also thrived in their loan spells at Sunderland and Real Zaragoza, and are among a number of quality maturing youngsters at the club. </p><h5><font size="1">Depth</font></h5>

    The sales of fan favourite Alan Smith to Newcastle United, Kieran Richardson to Sunderland and Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal have paved the way for some of the emerging talent to step up. </p>

    But with such a small margin for error in the major competitions, opportunities will be limited if the first XI remain relatively injury-free. </p>

    Argentina hardman Gabriel Heinze became a cult hero at the club and played a particularly important role coming into the side at the end of last season. </p>

    His links with arch-rivals Liverpool troubled the fans, however, after taking the tough tackler into their hearts. </p>

    Despite United looking a little shaky at the back in pre-season, Patrice Evra remains nailed on at left-back, and with club captain Gary Neville set to return things are looking up. </p>

    Victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield has added to the feel-good factor in Manchester, but Ferguson still yearns for another European crown to cement his place as the greatest manager ever to grace Britain's shores. </p>

    Defending the league will still be a key aim, but European glory will be top priority, as The Red Devils prepare to pay a fitting tribute to their fallen forefathers in the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.</p>

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    Community Shield: Take me home United Road </p>

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