Manchester United Season Prediction: Moyes' Transfer Troubles Will Prevent Title Defence

Last season

Premier League: 1<sup>st

Champions League: Round of 16

FA Cup: Quarter Final

League Cup: Fourth Round

Top scorer: Robin van Persie (30)

Summer work

David Moyes was confirmed as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson before the end of last season and the Scot has wasted little time in putting his own spin on operations at Old Trafford. Steve Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden have all joined from Everton while Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs have been handed coaching roles. Moyes' success in the transfer market has been less than conspicuous with Guillermo Varela the only addition but at the time of writing Wayne Rooney remains at the club. New executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is Moyes' accomplice in the market.

Manager - David Moyes

Despite being cut from the same cloth as Ferguson nothing will prepare Moyes for the enormity of arguably the biggest job in world sport. His 11-year spell at Everton and commitment to youth progression at Goodison Park is encouraging, but without a major trophy or proper Champions League experience questions have been raised over his suitability for a role associated with success. The failure to land a marque summer signing points towards a deficit in the attraction of the albeit Premier League champions in the absence of Ferguson. It might not be the only struggle.

Key Player - Robin van Persie

If the last campaign were to be condensed into one figure the Dutch striker would be forgiven for not demanding central prominence. The nature of his move from Arsenal to United was the season's primary narrative and gave Van Persie a story to tell his grandchildren; his first league title. The 30 year old will carry much of United's hopes with him this season, but the greatest concern will be how they cope if his unrelenting scoring streak is disrupted.

Expectations

Despite Moyes' failure to claimed a major trophy in his managerial career, it would be wrong to suggest the standards at United will be allowed to slip and allowances made. The Glaswegian must end that hoodoo as soon as he can and while competing with Chelsea and Manchester City might be unrealistic, signs future title challenges can be sustained is the least of what is expected.

Prediction

A successful title defence is too much to ask after a summer of transition. 2nd