Having won last season’s edition, Manchester United FC lead the entries for the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League, which concludes on Wednesday 27 May 2009 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome; the question that arises is “can they repeat?”
Last season Manchester United arguably had their best season for a long time. Cristiano Ronaldo (Premier League top scorer and world player of the year) and Wayne Rooney helped win two major titles, the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Both won millions of euros.
The question this year will be in what order will the ‘big four’ be positioned. Can any team enter the elite of clubs that dominate English football? I will say that it is possible!! Looking further down the league; Can newly promoted teams survive in the Premier League? Why not! They are already prepared.
Look at the ‘big four’. Manchester United haven’t brought in any new staff (not that they need one), but they have lost someone important, Tony Coton. Why will cotton be missed? Simple, the best goalkeeping coach Manchester United have ever had and despite the knee injury taking him out of business, he will be someone to look to for advice in future.
Man Utd have survived the ‘Ronaldo saga’ and live to fight another day. Overall, it’s been a quiet summer for Manchester United. Alex Ferguson has said in recent days that he hopes to sign an elite player soon (Robinho’s name comes to mind).
I don’t like to make predictions but I would expect Man Utd to be in the top two or I can look ahead and say injuries could play a role. Because? Well, apart from the fact that this championship is being played on a “battlefield”, any injury to key men like Ronaldo, Rooney or Tevez can mean they could have trouble scoring goals, it has happened before; This was an issue that occurred on occasion last season, but as mentioned above, Ferguson is following a striker and this could put an end to any apparent failure in the team.
Now, how much are Chelsea willing to risk to win this year? Well, Scolari, Deco, Porto… need I say more? Of course you do, what about the dramatic change in tactics? Chelsea go all the way, so don’t be surprised to see them play another UEFA final game against Manchester United once again. You may be wondering “Will Chelsea focus more on the Champions League than the Premier League?”. That kind of rational could covet the title near Manchester.
Manchester United are without a doubt at the top of the list, not only on the local level, but also on the European front. The current generation of players is undoubtedly the best coach, sir. Alex Ferguson has had the hold on him in his twenty-two year influence, but who among the contenders can firmly claim that he is a true contender this season? Will the ‘Big Four’ charge further, or can others close the gap?
