This is the start of the Premier League campaign, as far as Manchester United is concerned, and I'm wearing my new jersey as a support to the team :) So I went to United's website and read up on some news:
Sir Alex ready to roll again
He famously fulfilled his vow to knock Liverpool off their perch, now Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to do the same to Chelsea.
The United manager seems as hungry as ever at the dawn of his 25th league campaign with the Reds, and just as he was on his Old Trafford arrival in 1986, the boss is determined to overthrow the team who finished the previous term at the top.
"We've got to think about how we're going to win this league," said Sir Alex at a press conference to preview Monday's opening fixture against Newcastle.
"You have to think that Chelsea - having won the league last season - are going to be the favourites. That's what you have to think - the team that won it the previous season, you have to try and knock them off their perch."
While finishing at the summit and bringing home the club's 19th title remains United's sole league objective, for other clubs it's a case of fourth spot will do considering the European riches that may come with it. The race for Champions League places will be intriguing this season and Sir Alex tips a team from outside the traditional 'big four' to have a say in it.
"The interesting one is Everton, as they have got all their players back," said the boss.
"The first half of last season was a nightmare for them, with the injuries for major players like (Mikel) Arteta and (Phil) Jagielka - they were big losses to them. Now all these players are fit, they could be an interesting prospect for the season. I expect Everton to do very well this season."
"I say that following the events of last season, when Tottenham got into the top four and therefore broke that monopoly of established teams like ourselves, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. All these clubs will be aiming for the top four again, because being in the Champions League is a priority for them.
"You would expect Liverpool to improve with Roy Hodgson and Tottenham are on the upswing, with Harry Redknapp's experience. Man City will also be better. They have spent that money and expectation increases with that. They will be challengers; no doubt about that.
"We will improve too, with the present squad and the younger players a year older. I'm sure other clubs will be glad we didn't buy big this summer but I don't think there was a need to. I do not see the value anywhere. We're good at producing players and we have goals in us. We just have to pray we don't get the kind of injury problems we had in defence last season."
Sir Alex will challenge his squad to not only pursue the league crown but also chase the club's fourth triumph in the Champions League. The boss has a burning desire to win that competition again.
"For me, given the history of this club, the European Cup is a big attraction. For me, anyway. That must be a priority.
"But you cannot help but go for the Premier League, because the Premier League is such a tribalistic competition. Every game is so competitive, with six or seven rivals, so you cannot help but go for it."
source
Ole excited by Chicharito
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains one of the most ruthless finishers to have represented United, so comparisons with the Norwegian striker betray the magnitude of Chicharito's early impact at Old Trafford.
Now manager of the Reds' reserve team, Solskjaer is quick to play down stylistic similarities, but appreciates that United's newest signing is blessed with enough attributes to terrorise defenders.
"We're all different," Ole told ManUtd.com. "But Chicharito's come in as a breath of fresh air. You see a player who's hungry to show what he can do. He's a great mover off the ball, his physique is very sharp, he's clever with his runs and his finishing is very good.
"He threatens space in behind defenders, and that's the hardest thing to defend against - players who know when to run, how to time their run and always think about scoring goals. He'll have to link play as well, but the way he moves off the ball gives us an option to play that direct way."
Having scored in four successive pre-season friendlies - including the opening goal against United for Chivas - Chicharito's impact has raised expectations among supporters.
Solskjaer scored on his debut against Blackburn Rovers in 1996, and concedes that first impressions are hugely important in becoming a major player at Old Trafford.
"I came to United halfway through the Norwegian season, so I was lucky enough that I was in top shape, players got injured and I got a chance," said Ole. "Hopefully he'll get a chance and he'll take it.
"Since the World Cup he's probably not had a proper rest, and his mind will have been on making a good first impression - which is very important to do. He's managed that, on and off the pitch. He's a great lad as well. He'll need time to settle in the Premier League, of course, everyone does, but I'm sure the gaffer is looking forward to testing him regularly against Premier League players."
source
No comments:
Post a Comment