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.

RVP Brace Seals First Moyes Silverware

David Moyes' career at Manchester United starts with a trophy as Manchester United cruise to a solid 2-0 victory in the Community Shield.

United never looked troubled on a day when a Robin Van Persie brace earned them the Shield. Their slick passing and solid defensive showing would have pleased Moyes who has come under question in the media for his lack of summer signings.

Van Persie's early header got United off to a strong start.

United started the stronger of the two teams with Wigan failing to establish themselves in the game and it didn't take them long to capitalise. On the 6th minute a sweeping cross from Patrice Evra allowed Robin Van Persie to accurately head back across goal, placing the ball in the bottom left corner.

One of the early talking points was Moyes' decision to play the youngster Wilfried Zaha. Zaha had a busy game, getting involved where possible and playing direct attacking football, one cross in particular nearly led to United's second.

As the first half progressed Wigan began to grow into the game and just after the half an hour mark had a good opportunity to draw level. Chris Smalling was beaten by a bouncer over the top and James McClean should have done better with a shot across goal to play in Grant Holt.

Wigan continued to press and had a good chance from a Ben Watson free kick. The cross drifted in to the far post where Emmerson Boyce's header back across goal was slightly too high for leaping defender Leon Barnett.

After the interval Wigan emerged as they had left at the end of the first half. Their play was encouraging for new manager Owen Coyle with play focused down the flanks. However, the first chance of note fell on Tom Cleverly who fluffed a shot wide from the edge of the area.

Despite Wigan continuing to play fluid football it was Van Persie who struck the killer blow. A nicely worked move culminated in a Welbeck pass to Van Persie, his low shot taking a deflection off of James Perch, carrying it past an unlucky Scott Carson in the Wigan goal.

The second goal seemed to knock the life out of Wigan with the game going through a flat spell. One man who got a rousing reception on his substitution was Ryan Giggs who, at 39 years young, produced yet another fantastic display. Wigan had one final chance of note when Roger Espinoza shot a half volley wide.

The game seemed to lack tempo as it neared the end and it gave Moyes a chance to show some fresh blood in the youngster Adnan Januzaj, who had impressed in pre-season. Januzaj showed his ability on the left, finding some room and sending a deflected cross over the top of everybody.

Moyes lifts his first silverware at United.

In the end it was not too testing a day for United. Wigan had a few dangerous spells but were unable to test David De Gea at all during the game. Still, they will take some solace from their performance and will look to carry their mid-game performance into the rest of their season in the Championship.

Moyes will be pleased to have got off to a winning start after a rocky pre-season, but more importantly he will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet. Michael Carrick winning the McDonalds Man of the Match epitomises the type of game that was played and Moyes will now turn his attention to more serious matters in the form of Swansea next weekend.

One trophy down, thirty-seven more to go to catch up with his predecessor.