Expect United to continue their run against Stoke, Basle, and Norwich – before a big test away to Liverpool. The onus is on Chelsea and Manchester City to keep the pressure on.
Michael Owen’s double strike and Ryan Giggs’ effort set the champions in cruise control at Elland Road against Leeds last night.
Fielding a team picked with no seeming regard for formation, the Old Trafford side finished the job in the first half, with the second resembling a training ground exercise.
United fans had a nightmare flashback at kick-off, when they saw Michael Carrick lining up at centre back. He played there when the club were beaten 3-0 by Fulham two seasons ago, but had an assured showing last night. Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov even closed the game out partnering him in the back four after debutant Zeke Fryers had limped off.
The ease of victory not only underlined the gap in class between the Premier League and the Championship, but the current confidence running through United’s squad. They exercised the demons of two seasons ago, when Leeds knocked United out of the FA Cup, no gap in class was evident that day.
Ferguson gambled by starting four strikers, and while the formation failed to showcase three of their talents, Michael Owen showed that he still has his goalscoring touch, and that he can be depended on. Could Ferguson throw a surprise and start him against Stoke this weekend partnering Rooney, as Hernandez and Welbeck are still easing back from injuries?
United have had one of their best starts in 25 years, winning 7 of their first 8 games. The one they failed to win was a 1-1 draw at Benfica. You would not bet against them gaining maximum points against Stoke, while wins against Basle and Norwich are expected to be formalities.
They have now opened up a gap in the league with City drawing at Fulham, and their Manchester rivals and Chelsea will not want to lose more ground early on. When United travel to Anfield in three weeks, the season could hinge on that game. United could continue their run and cruise past them, or Liverpool could repeat their comprehensive victories of the last two seasons.
If they do, their rivals will kick themselves if they are not in a position to take advantage.
Who do you think will be the first to beat United?
Image: © Paolo Camera
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