With their 20th league title behind them, Manchester United face a tough challenge defending their Premier League crown. With new managers in charge of the
biggest contenders for the league,
Manchester United will need to up
their game to compete. The following consists of
Manchester United's key players and
who will need to perform to their full
potential if they are to have success
in the coming season. Note: A player could not be regarded
as the best in their position if they
are also the team's 'star player' or
'one to watch'. Star goalkeeper: David de Gea - Spain The Spaniard Under-21 star made
some fantastic saves versus top
clubs in the Premier League and
Champions league last season
including some amazing stops
against Real Madrid in Europe. He also contributed greatly to the
U21s campaign to crowning glory in
the European Championships! Key defender: Rio Ferdinand - England The ex-England international played
a vital part in the Red Devils' Premier
League victory last season, stepping
up many times when team mate
Vidic was injured. Midfield maestro: Michael Carrick - England The England international played
throughout last season for the Reds
as a centre-back, central midfielder
and defensive midfielder,
accomplishing the most forward
passes in Europe last season. He's been a real rock in the middle of
the park and will hope to do the
same this coming seaso. Fantastic forward: Javier Hernandez - Mexico Finishing as United's second top-
scorer last season Hernandez has
proved himself as a classy player at
both club and international level. Considered to be Mexico's best
player at the moment, Hernandez
scored 18 goals last season and
looks to be improving. Best player: Robin van Persie - Holland Last year's super signing finished
the season as the Premier League
top scorer. The clinical finisher won
the golden boot, seeing off tough
competition from Suarez, Michu,
Giroud and Benteke. As well as his goals he also provides
a lot of assists playing as a striker,
centre forward or left winger. One to watch: Shinji Kagawa - Japan Now considered slightly over-rated
after not making a huge impact
following his arrival from Borussia
Dortmund last season. Although he scored a hat-trick
against Norwich City at Old Trafford
he didn't look as good as he did back
in Germany, but with impressive pre-
season displays he is looking better
after his medium-term injury. Youth starlet: Wilfred Zaha - England Costing the Reds £15 million last
season, he returns to Old Trafford
after his loan at Crystal Palace and
scored in a pre-season friendly. The winger has got pace, skills on
the ball and can whip in a cross. But
the question is, has he got what it
takes to fit into the first-team? With Valencia currently occupying
his position will they rotate with
each other or will one play
completely instead of the other?
One might play left-wing if Young
doesn't make a return or Nani doesn't return to the squad straight
away. Manager experience: David Moyes - Scotland Managing Preston for a couple of
years and then Everton for over a
decade in the Premier League, Moyes
moved into the United role in July. He has plenty of Premier League
experience, but winning the league is
a different story to his Everton
managerial reign. Known as a good
trader in the transfer window with
Everton, how will he buy and sell with more funds at his disposal? Possible transfers (not including loans): (OUT) Anders Lindegaard, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia and
Anderson. (IN) Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Julio Cesar, Mats Hummels and Cesc
Fabregas. Predicted league finish: 2nd - Premier league Although their squad is strong and
they do have the ability to challenge
for the title, I don't feel Moyes has
what it takes to win the league in his
first season. Although I don't think United will
achieve this in his first year, I believe
he is well capable of great things at
the club. Other tournaments: Champions League - Semi-finals FA Cup - Winners League Cup - Quarter finals So what do you think? I'd love to
hear your opinions in the comments
below - thanks for reading.