Premier League Preview: Manchester United

End of an era, start of an era, call it what you want, this is a very different season for Manchester United fans. With the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson leaving his post after nearly twenty seven years in charge, Everton's David Moyes takes the reigns and will have a lot to do to live up to his predecessor. However, only yesterday he made a strong start with a 2-0 victory in the Community Shield.

Where Moyes has drawn slight criticism in his early days in the job is in the transfer marker. Despite attempts to sign Thiago and Cesc Fabregas showing the kind of calibre of player Moyes is looking for, the fact that neither have, or will sign is slightly disconcerting for United fans. The other fact that no one, other than a youngster Guillermo Varela, has been signed will be a cause for concern with the season starting in five days, especially with Chelsea and Manchester City spending big money. Expect signings at Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.

Manchester United's pre-season form has been sketchy but with such a vast quantity of games in such a variety of countries they were never going to have it perfect. Plenty of fans would like to be patient with Moyes but at the end of the day they are used to success, and if that does not come there may be a backlash. Moyes has an incredibly tough job to emerge out of Ferguson's shadow but if he does things his own way he should be alright. He would certainly have appeased the fans with his victory in the Community Shield.

Key Man: Robin Van Persie - Van Persie's two goals in the Community Shield only reinforced the fact that he is instrumental at Old Trafford. Van Persie was the turning point in last season's title race and with Rooney potentially on the way out he will be even more important this year. Last year's League top scorer, Van Persie will be looking to replicate that feat and United will need him if they are to push for the title.

One to Watch: David De Gea - After a rocky start to his Manchester United career David De Gea has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. His incredible shot stopping has obtained him a regular starting spot ahead of Lindegaard. His strength has improved over the last few years but he still struggles to deal with balls in the air and if he can conquer this flaw he will emerge as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the world.

Best Summer Signing: Wilfried Zaha - A bit of a cheat on this one as Zaha was technically a Ferguson signing earlier in the year but my knowledge of Varela is as rich as my knowledge of nuclear physics. Zaha, signed straight from the Championship and already with England caps under his belt, is a technically gifted winger with the ability to run with the ball. After making the step up from the Championship how will Zaha cope with the increased pressure on him?

Last Season: 1st

Pre-Season Prediction: 3rd - A season of change will see United slightly off the pace, especially with their rivals spending big.