Manchester United are, at present, a team in deep transition. There have been severe highs and lows throughout their campaign so far this season, with the barely believable 8 - 2 demolition of Arsenal at Old Trafford, and the embarrassment of losing 1 - 6 to neighbours Manchester City, alongside their abysmal Champions League run which ended in them missing the failing to make it out of their group for the first time since 2005.
With a series of young players being more prominent in United’s make up this season, namely Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young, their sensational start to the season was a surprise to some who expect the revised team to take a while to find their feet. These are all players with undoubtable talent, but it will take some time for them to settle in at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson remains a wily operator, so you would expect him to get the most out of his players, and use their shockingly early Champions League exit as a source of motivation for his players.
The Premier League is still very much within Manchester United’s grasp, and with Sir Alex Ferguson’s experience of winning titles, Manchester City’s present 5 point lead is nothing to be overwhelmed by.
In the January transfer market, it is unlikely any major purchases will be made. Despite continued rumours linking them with Wesley Sneijder, it appears unlikely that Sir Alex will pay the sizeable sum that would be required to lure him to Old Trafford. There is also a lot of expectation resting on Tom Cleverley’s shoulders, as he is a man who is being mooted as being not only the future of Manchester United, but also of England, so his return from injury will provide United with a boost.
