Manchester United - Dubai done now the season starts

Article by e-Manchester United Correspondent Mark Harbottle

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As the majority of the British public trudge through stormy weather and fight our way to work on a daily basis, our very own Red Devils have returned from a sunny spell in Dubai training. Whilst selfies with Diego Maradona and subtle olive skin tones suggest a mid-season holiday, I am confident there will be more than just a few fresh faces as we really kick start the season. Below are my predictions for the remaining 12 games in the Premier League:

1 - Wayne Rooney will sign (now done) an obscene contract worth north of £300K per week

This has been pretty much public knowledge for a while now. Whilst gossip suggests it’s a 3 way deal between club, boot and shirt sponsor (all Nike), this will make Wazza the highest paid player in the PL, by approximately £60,000 per week. There are both pro’s and con’s to this:

Pros: The bottom line is he’ll be playing for us next season and beyond, be it 4th spot and Champions League football, 5th spot and the Europa League, or 8th place with nothing much to play for. Regardless of his spotty performance in recent seasons, his signature is a sign of commitment which will give the same lift that Juan Mata did when he walked through the Old Trafford dressing room. The knock on effect is an increased likelihood of attracting players in the summer. When he wants to be, he’s a game changer, and we’re going to need these performances from him in the final stretch of the league.

Cons: Rooney has been a pain in the backside in recent years, and has left a bitter taste in some fan’s mouths. Is he really looking to leave, or is he just after the money? He possibly thinks his performances recently haven’t justified a big money move - he’s certainly not been better / more consistent / more influential than Carrick, Mata or Welbeck this season. I have a suspicion this could ruffle a few feathers in the Manchester United camp. My gut tells me Rooney’s last throw of the dice will be for the greater benefit of the club and team.

2 - Fresh faces for the Premier League

There have been a few dramatic matches in the UK since we surrendered our lead to Fulham at home; City playing Chelsea, Arsenal seeing off Liverpool, huge Champions League draws. It’s bound to wear down even the greatest of players. Meanwhile our troops have landed in the UK, refreshed and in-form, with likely set pieces and strategies well perfected. We can only pray that if we have to sit through over 80 crosses in 90 minutes that more will hit their target. Alternatively a plan B with better quality football will ensure a greater chance of winning and dominating games. Manchester United are hardly suffering with January Blues, but a break will help put the last few horror-shows behind them and kick start the next run of games.

3 - Full squad, and injury-free (almost)

With players catching a few rays and letting injuries fade away with the Dubian sunset, players like Robin van Persie and Darren Fletcher will be firing on all cylinders. The immediate impact here is goals, but the knock on effect is players fighting for their starting place in the squad. Friendly competition does mean better performances on the pitch – and we’re all crying out for this.

4 - Moyes will be genuinely positive for once

Pellegrini, Mourinho and Wenger have been hurling verbal abuse via the media, causing most of us to momentarily forget the stone-cut, gargoyled figure of disappointment telling us the last eight months have been “unlucky”. Spending some time with the squad away from media and pressure will undoubtedly do him the world of good. If anything, his Scottish complexion will be ever so slightly fresher – which is only a good thing.

So everything seems pretty rosy right now in the Manchester United camp. We’ve had some positive words from Mata in the papers recently, confident in our ability to secure 4th spot which will again help keep the faith. I’m sure that this is the start of a decent run of form with a good run of games including a good test at home to Liverpool in March, and for once I’m looking forward to it.

If we’re really looking on the bright side, there are no more cup ties to add pressure. We’re hardly going to win the Champions League but a good effort there will assist our fight for the golden ticket for the top competition next season.

Over to you Moyes.

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