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.

Dufner Claims PGA Championship

American Jason Dufner carded a strong fourth round 68 to claim the 95th PGA Championship as well as setting a 72 hole course record around Oak Hill.

Dufner played fantastically off of the tees.

While the men around him failed to get to grips with the tricky Oak Hill Course, Dufner excelled, carding a three under 32 on the front nine. Despite bogeying the final two holes, his consistent driving and wedge play throughout the day meant that Dufner was able to maintain the two shot lead he had going into the last two. The win will mean more for Dufner after he lost a play-off to close friend Keegan Bradley in the same tournament two years previously.

As well as setting a 72 hole course record ten under par, he also scored the 18 hole course record of 63 on friday, an instrumental factor in his victory. Dufner showed great nerve throughout the whole of his final round, wielding the putter well compared to Saturday where he looked unsteady. It was his consistent driving and fantastic wedge play that set him apart from the rest of the front runners and there is no doubt that Dufner earned his win this weekend.

So close but so far for Furyk.

Although Jim Furyk put up a strong fight he was never able to challenge Dufner after the front nine. Furyk had a poor day off of the tee, meaning he wasn't able to truly test Dufner. Eventually, Furyk finished two behind Dufner, shooting a 71 for the day, suggesting that nerves got the better off him after leading overnight.

Blixt enjoyed being in the picture.

Behind Furyk on seven under par was the the in form Henrik Stenson, the Swede still searching for his first major. His form in recent weeks and at Oak Hill has rightly shot him into the top ten in the World. He was followed by fellow Swede Jonas Blixt, one shot further back. The 29 year old showed he can play on the big stage as he ended the tournament fourth.

The big mover on the day was Scott Piercy who shot a 65, the best round of the day, catapulting him up the leaderboard to fifth place and shooting eight birdies on the day. He was joined there by Masters Champion Adam Scott who was unable to string together a strong enough round to really challenge the leaders. Nevertheless, it's another top 10 finish for one of the hottest prospects in golf.

The wait goes on for Woods' 15th.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the pre-tournament favorites, both slipped away as the week went on. Tiger had a fairly consistent week with the main issue being that he was consistently a few shots over par, finishing the tournament four over. Mickelson shot a disastrous 78 on the Saturday leaving him way off the pace at 12 over par.

Rory gets back on track

What of the Brits playing in the Championship? Well it was great to see Rory McIlroy back towards the top of the Leaderboard, after finishing tied 8th. McIlroy showed signs he was overcoming his psychological issues of recent times as he played some solid golf. His Northern Irish compatriot was a further one shot back on two under par along with Scotsman Marc Warren, who recovered from a four over first round to also end on two under par.

Jason Dufner almost cracks a smile as he wins his first major

The highest Englishman was David Lynn on even par, a good achievement to top off a strong year. Paul Casey showed signs he was continuing his comeback from injury with a three over par for the tournament alongside Justin Rose and Lee Westwood. It was a tournament of what-ifs for Rose and Westwood who were both in the mix at some point but struggled for consistency over the four days.

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.

Premier League Preview: Manchester City

Despite finishing 2nd in the League, Sheikh Mansour decided that was not good enough and duly fired Roberto Mancini. Perhaps this was understandable. The year before City had won the title. Since then they had made poor signings in the transfer market, lost the FA Cup final to Wigan, and finished 4th in their Champions League group. Time then for 'the Engineer', Manuel Pellegrini to enter the picture, and hopefully 'fix' Manchester City.

Their summer spending has certainly reflected the need for improvement. Last year City conceded the least amount of goals but lost out on the title because Manchester United signed Robin Van Persie, boosting their offensive ability. City's spending has attempted to counter this, bringing in two strikers in Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic as well as pacey winger Jesus Navas. Lastly, they splashed the cash on a midfield partner for Yaya Toure by signing Fernandinho. With City also shifting five players from the squad including Roque Santa Cruz (Yes, he was still at the club unbelievably), and more seemingly on their way out, they have an extremely strong squad heading into the season.

The target for City this season will undoubtedly be to regain their Premier League title but that will not be made easy by Manchester United and Chelsea who will push City to the end. Their pre-season has been far from convincing with more losses than wins but the form of Edin Dzeko will be a huge positive. A trophy is a must for Pellegrini and the City board will also want a much stronger performance in Europe after two largely disappointing seasons.

Key Man: Vincent Kompany - Kompany missed large portions of last season with a recurring injury but is still the most vital man in the City team. The linchpin in the heart of defence, Kompany, along with  Joe Hart and Yaya Toure form the unbelievably strong core of the City team. Arguably the best defender in the league, Kompany will be hugely important in City's push for the title.

One to Watch: Fernandinho - Initially I wanted to place Jack Rodwell as the one to watch, but as the summer went on I feel as though Fernandinho has become the forgotten signing at City. Despite coming from the Ukrainian League, Fernandinho is a strong signing in the midfield. A pacey player who operates as a box-to-box midfielder, Fernandinho could form a formidable relationship with Yaya Toure and is an excellent addition to the Premier League.

Best Summer Signing: Alvaro Negredo - A clinical striker with 25 goals in La Liga last season, Negredo is a strong signing for City and a symbol of marked intent for their title push. Along with Dzeko, Jovetic and Aguero, City have a hugely impressive bunch of strikers, but I feel Negredo will emerge as first choice.

Last Season: 2nd

Pre-Season Prediction: 2nd - Once again City will fall just short but to Chelsea, not to their Manchester rivals.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool

Last year was largely a season of transition for Liverpool. With the introduction of Brendan Rodgers at the start of the year, the season had few objectives other than a solid first season. This was achieved and, although Liverpool did not qualify for European football, a solid 7th place will provide a strong platform going into this season.

Off the back of the extremely successful January signing of Philipe Coutinho, Rodgers has again delved successfully into the depths of the transfer market, signing two attacking Spaniards, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas. He also signed Kolo Toure, a player with a wealth of experience, on a free transfer and perhaps most impressively, Simon Mignolet, one of the League's best up-and-coming goalkeepers. The one bizarre transfer was the loan signing of loyal Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina to Napoli. With the signing of Mignolet it is understandable but it still seems an odd choice to alienate one of the more loyal Liverpool players.

After a largely successful pre-season, Rodgers will be looking to press on and target a spot in Europe next season. It will be tough but I think Liverpool will certainly be much closer to a European spot than they have been the last few seasons. The rest of Liverpool's summer will obviously revolve around the Luis Suarez transfer saga but I think Liverpool will improve regardless of whether he stays or goes, as they have enough quality in the squad.

Key Man: Steven Gerrard - The Liverpool veteran, despite being past his peak, is still pivotal to the Liverpool set-up. His leadership and influence as a Captain cannot be understated and he still has a wicked right foot. Moving into his sixteenth year at Liverpool he will be looking to win a trophy this season, after not winning one (League Cup in 2012 aside) for seven years.

One to Watch: Philippe Coutinho - The young playmaker was exceptional when bought by Rodgers in January and, at only 21, the Brazilian can only get better. He is a traditional Brazilian, with exceptional technique as well as supreme vision and an eye for goal. He has continued his form into pre-season and will certainly be one of the players of the season if he can keep it up.

Best Summer Signing: Iago Aspas - Although Mignolet is a fantastic signing it is the intriguing signing of Aspas that caught my attention. After scoring four goals in pre-season and with wantaway striker Luis Suarez half way out of the door at Liverpool, could the Spaniard be the man to replace him?

Last Season: 7th

Pre-Season Prediction: 6th - Liverpool to triumph over Everton but narrowly lose out to Tottenham and Arsenal.

Premier League Preview: Hull

Hull are a tough team to predict for me. I didn't see a lot of them last season and don't know large quantities of their squad. That said, what does convince me is the manager Steve Bruce. A man with a wealth of Premier League experience, if anyone can keep Hull up it's Bruce.

Their summer business has been kept relatively quiet but they have brought fairly wisely. Maynor Figueroa in particular has played in the Premier League for a number of years with Wigan as well as Steve Harper, who left Newcastle last season after spending twenty years with the club. Many are saying that the loan signing of Danny Graham has 'solved' Hull's striker problem but I disagree. Graham is out of form at the moment and I don't see him as a key man in any Premier League side.

Like their promoted compatriots Palace and Cardiff, Hull are in for a rough season. I believe Bruce has the steel and know-how to get Hull clear of relegation, but I still don't see it happening. Hull need more squad depth and a few more players with Premier League experience, especially in the League this year, where plenty of the relegation candidates from last year have bought strongly in the transfer market.


Key Man: Robert Koren - The captain and top scorer last season will be hugely important in Hull's push for safety. A consistent performer and influential midfielder, Koren has a history in the Premier League with West Brom and will be once again looking to show his unquestionable ability on the big stage.


One to Watch: Sone Aluko - Aluko, a free transfer from Rangers at the start of last season, missed large portions of the season through injury but was influential in the games he played. The Championship Player of the Month in November, Aluko will be looking to replicate that form this year and, if he can remain injury free, will be a vital player in the battle to avoid relegation.

Best Summer Signing: Yannick Sagbo - A relative unknown but built in a similar mold to Christian Benteke, he gives Hull a bit more variety up front. A tall, powerful striker, Bruce will be looking for Sagbo to strike a strong partnership with either Aluko or Graham to help solve Hull's striker problem..

Last Season: 2nd (Championship, Promoted)

Pre-Season Prediction: 19th - No disrespect to Hull but I don't think they have the ability to claw their way out of relegation.. I would like them to prove me wrong though.

Premier League Preview: Fulham

Last season Fulham, despite finishing 12th, would have been disappointed with their season. Never fully clear of the relegation zone and fully reliant on Dimitar Berbatov, fans were disappointed and will be looking for a top half finish this year.

Martin Jol has spent wisely in the transfer market. The permanent signing of Sascha Riether after his fantastic loan spell last year is a brilliant acquisition by Jol and he followed this by adding another five players scattered around the park. Maarten Stekelenburg was another smart purchase, bought in to replace long-term goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Last season was largely unforgettable for Fulham fans. No cup run and little to shout about in the league left them with a considerably unremarkable season. Jol will be looking to ensure that Fulham are not sucked into a relegation scrap and the strengthening of the squad should ensure that this does not happen. However, with  the oldest average squad age in the League it will be a priority to ensure some youngsters are brought in for future seasons to ensure they don't get dragged back in.

Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov - Without a doubt Fulham's star man. Not the hardest working player but Berbatov's first touch and technique are outstanding. The issue might be that Fulham are largely dependent on their key player and should he drop out of form or get injured they might be in a bit of trouble.

One to Watch: Bryan Ruiz - Whilst Berbatov often steals the limelight, Ruiz is a very talented footballer who has not quite lived up to expectations at Fulham. An extremely talented player, Ruiz can be played either as a winger or striker, and after a strong pre-season the fans will be expecting him to support Berbatov up front.

Best Summer Signing: Sascha Riether - The best piece of business Fulham could realistically have done this summer. After a fantastic season on loan scooping up the Players' Player of the Season award at Fulham it was vital that they resigned their right back.

Last Season: 12th


Pre-Season Prediction: 11th - Despite improving their squad, teams around them have also improved and there will be little change for Fulham this season.