In a flash, the summer has gone by and now the new Premier League season has finally dawned upon us. The new season kicks off with a tasty match between two teams who had torrid seasons before this - Manchester United and Swansea.
Where can I begin with Manchester United? Even 'disastrous' would not sufficiently describe how poor the previous campaign was for the Red Devils, who are accustomed to finishing inside the top four every season. Although David Moyes' career got off to a glistening start, the fairytale start soon turned into the most wretched of campaigns for the former Everton manager.
Alas, Moyes did not even last a season at Old Trafford, and now under new manager Louis van Gaal, Manchester United look a rejuvenated side, playing with attacking swagger whilst also keeping it tidy at the back. The appointment of van Gaal has definitely instilled more confidence into a side which definitely seemed short of it under his predecessor Moyes, and the rejuvenated Manchester United look more like themselves, despite playing with a noticeable difference on the pitch.
Swansea's campaign last year wasn't exactly great, either. Having qualified for the Europa League upon winning the Capital One Cup in the season before, no one would have expected Swansea to have such a wretched season. Undoubtedly, the Europa League negatively affected Swansea's league record, as the players struggled to cope with a tight schedule, leading to numerous injuries, exposing the thin squad depth of Swansea. Swansea also draw similarities with Manchester United in terms of managers, as the Swans also fired Michael Laudrup during the ongoing season (wrongfully, in my opinion), and appointed Garry Monk in his place.
With hopes of getting back where they belong this season, both sides have gone and spent money in an attempt to strengthen their squads before the start of the season. Whilst United have underwhelmingly only brought in midfielder Ander Herrera and full back Luke Shaw, Swansea have bolstered their attacking options by adding Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetambi Gomis alongside Ivorian Wilfried Bony. While Manchester United have lost a lot of experience from their squad this season, as veterans Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra and Giggs won't be playing for them anymore, Swansea have managed to keep the core of their squad intact. Despite this fact, I doubt Swansea will be able to unhinge Louis van Gaal's side.
Predicted Team Line-Ups
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| Although United were bad under Moyes, they have impressed under van Gaal |
Where can I begin with Manchester United? Even 'disastrous' would not sufficiently describe how poor the previous campaign was for the Red Devils, who are accustomed to finishing inside the top four every season. Although David Moyes' career got off to a glistening start, the fairytale start soon turned into the most wretched of campaigns for the former Everton manager.
Alas, Moyes did not even last a season at Old Trafford, and now under new manager Louis van Gaal, Manchester United look a rejuvenated side, playing with attacking swagger whilst also keeping it tidy at the back. The appointment of van Gaal has definitely instilled more confidence into a side which definitely seemed short of it under his predecessor Moyes, and the rejuvenated Manchester United look more like themselves, despite playing with a noticeable difference on the pitch.
Swansea's campaign last year wasn't exactly great, either. Having qualified for the Europa League upon winning the Capital One Cup in the season before, no one would have expected Swansea to have such a wretched season. Undoubtedly, the Europa League negatively affected Swansea's league record, as the players struggled to cope with a tight schedule, leading to numerous injuries, exposing the thin squad depth of Swansea. Swansea also draw similarities with Manchester United in terms of managers, as the Swans also fired Michael Laudrup during the ongoing season (wrongfully, in my opinion), and appointed Garry Monk in his place.
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| Swansea's pre-season results have not been impressive. |
With hopes of getting back where they belong this season, both sides have gone and spent money in an attempt to strengthen their squads before the start of the season. Whilst United have underwhelmingly only brought in midfielder Ander Herrera and full back Luke Shaw, Swansea have bolstered their attacking options by adding Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetambi Gomis alongside Ivorian Wilfried Bony. While Manchester United have lost a lot of experience from their squad this season, as veterans Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra and Giggs won't be playing for them anymore, Swansea have managed to keep the core of their squad intact. Despite this fact, I doubt Swansea will be able to unhinge Louis van Gaal's side.
Predicted Team Line-Ups
Van Gaal may have to field a young, inexperienced defence because main defenders Rafael, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia have been either ruled out of this match or are doubtful to be fit in time after picking up injuries during pre-season.
Garry Monk will probably give a start to new signing Jefferson Montero, who will attack from the left, whilst other new signing Gomis might have to wait to make his debut if Bony is fit enough to start this match. Hopefully midfielder Ki gets the nod ahead of Canas to start in midfield, because in my opinion is he is a very good player and has proven that already last season with Sunderland. Routledge can easily be swapped with Nathan Dyer should things not work.
Final Prediction
Although Manchester United have not strengthened enough as of yet in this transfer window, I think Swansea will not be able to claim a victory here. Though the likes of Sigurdsson, Montero and Routledge might give a stern test to United's young defence, United's attacking prowess should come into play and the hosts should be able to claim a victory on the opening day, similar to last season when they famously beat Swansea 4-1 in their opening fixture...
FT Scoreline Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Swansea
Article written by Mayank Tiwary. Follow me on Twitter
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