15th Aug 2013 | Football
Manchester United 2013-14 Preview
The reigning champions have lost their iconic manager after 26 years in charge. David Moyes has the biggest of shoes to fill.
Best odds to win league: 5/2 (WilliamHill)
Last season: 1st
Reasons for hope:
Defending champions who still boast the most predatory goalscorer in the country. Last season was a vintage one for United who amassed 89 points to take the title by 11 points from their arch-rivals. In an attacking sense they were streets ahead of the pack; they scored 86 times in 38 league matches, finding the net at least 3 times in 42% of their fixtures (16).
Potential bet: Highest scoring team - Man Utd: 2/1 (StanJames)
Reasons to worry:
Life after Sir Alex Ferguson has been a terrifying prospect for many years and that time has finally arrived. The Red Devils have been largely unsuccessful in the transfer market this summer - only Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela has arrived - while the neighbours have been lavish. Speculation suggests Wayne Rooney also remains unhappy at the club.
Potential bet: Not to win a major trophy this season - 5/4 (BetVictor)
Verdict:
As good as Moyes is, we may find out this season just how special a job Ferguson was doing. Man City and Chelsea almost certainly have better squads and that ought to make a difference over nine months.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 10:49 15th Aug, 2013 but subject to change
