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Moyes on a title mission

David MoyesLast season, Manchester United dominated the Barclays Premier League winning in it style. They finished 11 points above rivals Man City. This turned out to be an end of an era for the side, because legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson announced his shock retirement from the game. Now they have his fellow Scotsman, David Moyes as manager. It will be a challenge in his first season and he will have to cope with the huge pressure, but I believe he will. With Fergies advice, and the assistance of Neville and Giggs he could do very well, but there is one thing he needs, transfers.

To improve the squad, Moyes needs to look at what we have got already, and the players that can improve the squad. Patrice Evra, 32, looks set to join Monaco. The outgoing left back is likely to be replaced with Everton left back Leighton Baines, who has recently broke into the England starting XI ahead of Chelsea’s Ashley Cole. He is only 28 years old as well, so he will be at a good level for the next 3-4 seasons. Once he’s passed it, they have the young Dutchman, Alexander Buttner, who seems to have ability to do well.

Another area of improvement is the central midfield. Dutch maestro Kevin Strootman looks like a dominant figure who would do well for United. He has a lot of ability and is only young. Michael Carrick is only getting older, so he could be the long-term replacement.

Thiago match ballAlso, Paul Scholes’ retirement means another midfielder would be needed who can play attacking football with the ability to pass well and score goals. This role could be played by Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara, who is holding advanced talks with Manchester United about a move away from the Nou Camp. This guy has a fantastic touch, with an eye for a pass but can also finish tremendously. He was an integral part of Spain’s Euro U21 triumph and even scored a hatrick in the final against Italy. As well as that, when his team mates were signing his match ball, Manchester United keeper David De Gea wrote ‘See you in Manchester’ on the ball. Could this mean that he’s joining? Cheeky De Gea.

Other rumours suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo could re-join Manchester United. He cancelled the speculation last week by saying “I miss Manchester, but I’m happy at Madrid.”

The next role in the united squad he could be looking at, is the strikers.

Wayne Rooney may leave, Moyes said hes not for sale, but that could change, if the right offer comes along. If he was to leave, Borrussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski has been on Fergies radar for about a year, but he looks set to stay for another season.

Overall, I think Moyes needs a new Left back (Baines), Central midfielders (Thiago and Strootman) and only a striker if Rooney leaves, and I can’t see that happening.

Not just transfers will help him retain the title, but also tactics. At Everton, he liked a simple classic 4-4-1-1. This worked very well and Everton finished 6th, above Merseyside rivals Liverpool. United played a 4-2-3-1 for most of the season that worked brilliantly. The two holding broke down the play and kept the ball and the 3 attacking scored and provided goals, the centre and main man in the three was Rooney, who looked quite impressive playing in a deeper role, but he said he preferred to play as a striker, but you could see, he was class, and has an eye for a pass, similar to Scholes.

So what will Moyes do? Keep with the basic method or do the united way?

In my opinion, he should work around the team he had last year. Keep the 4-2-3-1 and play it week in, week out. This way, the players will get used to the formation. The centre backs hold deep, allowing the full backs to attack and overlap the wingers. The defensive midfielders should break up the play in the centre, retain possession of the ball and give it to Kagawa or Rooney and let them do their thing, put balls through to Van Persie or Hernandez, if he’s playing. On the set pieces front, I would let Baines take the corners, if he signs. This allows Van Persie and Rooney to use their aerial ability in the box, and would give much more of a goal threat. Tactics will be a key factor in the race for the title next season.

Moyes has a massive task but can he do it? Yes, I think so, if he brings in the right players and uses the right tactics, he could win the title easy. It sounds easy but it’s not. Consistency is also important. They must perform every game like it was their last. It will be close, but I believe he’ll do it.

Good luck David.

Guest written by Ross.