Champion and Top 4 EPL – 2012/13 Prediction

[zudomiriku]

Originally Posted by rondwisan

Lah ..., Swansea ama Stoke di peringkat 8 n 9 dengan 23 point dilewatin, langsung ke Liverpool

saya hanya copas opa, Pool masuk biar para fans nya senang dikit. kan target nya kan 4 besar sesuai artikel yg diatas

[rondwisan]

19/12/2012 15:00 - ManUtd.com, Gemma Thompson
Reds won't get carried away



Darren Fletcher insists the players will not get carried away by the healthy points advantage the Reds currently hold over title rivals Manchester City.

Sir Alex's men know all too well what happened last season when United were eight points clear with six games to play and still lost out to the Blues in the title race, albeit in dramatic fashion, on the final day of the campaign.

While happy to be setting the pace at the Barclays Premier League summit, Fletcher says the Reds are*firmly focused on maintaining their lead by putting together a lengthy run of victories.

"We do feel this Christmas period, if we go on a good run of winning games it would really put us in a good position. Come the New Year then we can then really kick on," the Scot told PA Sport.

"We have been in this position before - we were eight points in front of them last season with far fewer games to play and we didn't win the title. We can't take anything for granted and look at the league table and think we are in a comfortable position. We use the experience of last season to realise that is not the case.

"The manager speaks about going on runs of winning matches - that is what we will try to do now. We have to kick on and win as many games as possible. If we can do that we'll find ourselves in an even stronger position."

In order to help gain the current advantage over City, the Reds have had to produce*a string of*memorable comebacks of the highest order, not least because clean sheets have been, surprisingly, very hard to come by this term. Nevertheless, Fletcher insists never giving up is something that has always been and always will be part of the team's make-up.

"It is hard to explain, but the never-say-die attitude is ingrained in this club," he says. "It comes from the players, who believe, and opposition teams, who fear it. The club has such a history of it you almost expect it to happen.

"We have a great bunch of players with a great attitude - we will always fight right to the very end. The history of the club definitely plays a part. There is a psychological factor of going into the last 10 minutes of games and if we are drawing the opposition know United will throw everything at them.

"They withdraw because they realise what is coming and they find themselves on the edge of their own box. We are very patient, we get the ball wide and try to create chances. It is not route one, it*is always with a purpose. We always seem to create chances and long may it continue."

[rondwisan]

Kemenangan City atas Reading semalem, di masa2 injury time, memangkas selisih point dengan United yg baru akan bertanding malam nanti, menjadi 3 point saja
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22/12/2012 09:00 - ManUtd.com, Adam Marshall
Boss welcomes City challenge



Sir Alex Ferguson felt Manchester City's win at Newcastle in their last outing suggests the title race is going to be another epic battle.

After losing to Robin van Persie's injury-time free-kick at the Etihad Stadium, the pressure was on Roberto Mancini's men to respond in the tricky trip to Tyneside. A 3-1 victory closed the gap at the top, even if United stretched it back to six points*when beating Sunderland by the same scoreline.

When asked if City's response indicated they are not going away, the boss replied: "Absolutely. Great. I think it is a wake-up call for us too. Although you see the stats and it's quite amazing as Newcastle had more passes and shots on goal, you watch it yourself and I am saying I can't see Newcastle winning the game. It is a funny game."

The manager is experienced enough to realise that claiming a record 20th title is never going to be straightforward.

"We have every right to expect a challenge," he*asserted.*"It is what we are good at. That’s why I am looking at December as an opportunity to gather points and make sure we are top of the league come New Year’s Day.

"If we are top of the league on New Year’s Day, we know fine well and everyone else knows fine well that we are going to be in that ball-park at the end of the season. We know there is going to be a challenge, it could come from Chelsea too but certainly City and ourselves will be battling it out."

[rondwisan]

Will anything stand in the way of Man United and a record 20th title? As Fergie's side sit seven points clear, Sportsmail's experts deliver their verdicts...
Dailymail.co.uk - 11:14 GMT, 27 December 2012



Manchester United are now seven points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League going into the final game of 2012.

The Boxing Day comeback victory over Newcastle - coupled with Man City’s loss at Sunderland - tightened their grip on top spot.

So, just what can stop Sir Alex Ferguson’s side snatching the crown back from City? Here, we ask Sportsmail’s team of expert reporters whether they think United can be stopped - and if so, by what...




IAN LADYMAN

The only team that can stop United winning this title is United. Manchester City’s challenge lacks the conviction of last season and that makes United clear favourites at this stage.

However, United are so unpredictable that I can envisage them dropping enough points to give their rivals a chance between now and the end of the season.

Yesterday’s performance – as thrilling as it was – was riddled with holes. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team once again defended poorly and failed to keep hold of the ball for long periods of time. These are the two issues that threaten United more than any other.

Great United teams smother teams by refusing them the ball. This one struggles to do that which means that their opponents will always have a chance. United are great to watch and have been involved in some breath taking games this season. This, however, only points to vulnerability.

This race is not run yet.

Follow Ian Ladyman on Twitter @ian_ladyman_dm




NEIL ASHTON

After throwing it away last season, there is no way Manchester United will allow the title to slip through their grasp this time around.

As Manchester City’s form begins to disintegrate, the main threat will come from Chelsea, but they have too much to do.

Despite their re-remergence under Rafa Benitez, United have matchwinners across every area of their forward line, which is why they will be crowned champions at the end of the season.

It barely feels like Robin van Persie has properly got going in a United, but he has still scored 13 times in the Premier League. Crucially, it is only 27 per cent of United’s goals and they can rely on Wayne Rooney (7) and Javier Hernandez (6), among others, to add to their attacking threat.

United have had 15 different goalscorers this season in the Premier League, another illustration of their firepower. Their biggest problem is at the back, but they are good enough to get away with it this season.

When Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho are in the Premier League next season it will be a different story.

Follow Neil Ashton on Twitter @neilashton_




MATT BARLOW

Manchester United have a magnificent spirit. The will to win they displayed (yet again) against Newcastle will have a psychological impact on the chasers. Their manager has incredible instinct and unrivalled experience in a title race. With Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones fit again they will get stronger at the back, Robin van Persie will supply a steady stream goals and a seven-point gap will be difficult to close.

Yet not impossible.

Last season, United crumbled, perhaps a hint of inexperience from their younger players. Will this haunt them when it gets squeaky? City are not as smooth as they were (won three of nine) but will feel the benefit when European competition starts again, while the real threat may develop from Chelsea, fast-improving under Rafa Benitez.

Chelsea would be eight behind if they won the game in hand (at home to Southampton). They have the Europa League to contend with and face some tough away fixtures, starting at Everton on Sunday. It will not be easy but they are likely to recruit next month.

A quiet confidence is growing at Stamford Bridge (won six of seven) that some of their long-standing problems are being ironed out. Rafa is relishing the prospect of a title duel with Fergie. This one is not quite over yet.

Follow Matt Barlow on Twitter @matt_barlow_dm




LEE CLAYTON

Alan Shearer, his wages paid by the taxpayer, told the BBC’s Match of the Day programme: ‘Manchester United will be happy’.

Seven points clear and happy. That’s some revelation.

They can’t defend, the goalkeeper looks less than happy, they’ve had to win 24 points from losing positions… and they’re STILL seven points clear. But surely it can’t be over on Boxing Day.

City are better than that. They have to start scoring soon and Chelsea’s record since losing at West Ham is 26-4 in all competitions and three straight wins in the league. Us neutrals need it to be more exciting, closer, tighter than that.

Maybe it won’t be last-kick-of-the-season-close like last time – and United clearly have it all to lose, as people like Shearer might say – but let’s hope they aren’t runaway champions.

Where is the fun, the drama… and the happiness in that?

Follow Lee Clayton on Twitter @leeclayton_




DOMINIC KING

Will anything stop Manchester United now? In the aftermath of the extraordinary game against Newcastle, it’s an understandable question but it is also highly presumptuous.

In word, there are plenty of factors that can halt United’s title bid. For a start, it would be wrong to dismiss Manchester City as busted flushes. They may not be playing with the same fizz as last season but they have enough class players to embark on a sustained winning run.

The same applies for Chelsea. Rafa Benitez’s side have started keeping clean sheets now and, again, they have excellent players. In this observer’s view, they are the most likely challengers to United and a win at Old Trafford when the teams meet would certainly make things interesting.

Another aspect to consider is United’s defence. They keep conceding goals, they look vulnerable at some point in every game and there will come a point when Robin van Persie doesn’t always rescue them. And what will happen if Van Persie happens to get a lengthy injury?

United, unquestionably, are hot favourites for the title and their sustained presence towards the top of the table speaks volumes for their manager’s brilliance.

But are they past the post already? Not by a long shot.

Follow Dominic King on Twitter @dominicking_dm




JOHN EDWARDS

The way this season has unfolded, it’s easy to see Manchester United letting slip a seven-point lead but difficult to see Manchester City overhauling one. It’s almost as if the two Manchester clubs are doing their best to lose the title race, rather than win it.

United look more vulnerable than for years. Injury problems have caught up with Nemanja Vidic, age with Rio Ferdinand. In midfield, they look distinctly limited by their normal high standards. It would be unthinkable to describe any United side under Sir Alex Ferguson as a one-man band, but where would they be without Robin Van Persie’s goals?

City have scarcely been any more convincing. Remaining unbeaten for longer than any other Barclays Premier League side sounds impressive, but the performances behind it were not. The spark just doesn’t seem to be there.

With both teams misfiring, could there yet be an opportunity for Chelsea to break the Mancunian monopoly? There surely must be, and if they take it, no-one should be surprised, given three of their back four are England defenders and their attacking creativity is the envy of the land.

They have an even bigger gap to make up, though, and I still expect United’s never-say-die spirit to drag them over the line, if only because Ferguson will demand nothing less.

Follow John Edwards on Twitter @jealty




LAURA WILLIAMSON

The only thing that has been consistent about the top half of the Premier League this season is its inconsistency. You can lose three in a row like West Brom and still stay in the top six, concede 28 goals and be seven points clear or experience a supposed crisis a la Arsenal and still be in the mix for a Champions League spot. It's madness.

How Manchester United fare against Real Madrid in the Champions League may impact upon their domestic fortunes, but I can't see anyone putting together a sustained run to challenge Sir Alex Ferguson's side for the title.*

United have won 52 per cent of their points after going behind in matches, after all. While that says a lot about their experience, determination and dodgy defending, it says even more about the quality - or not - of the opposition.

Follow Laura Williamson on Twitter @laura_mail




CHRIS WHEELER

History tells us that United have failed to retain the title at the first attempt only once in the Premier League era. It also shows that when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side hold this kind of advantage at the halfway stage they go on to be crowned champions.

Will it be a similar story this season? Probably. Are they unstoppable? No.

Ferguson has often bemoaned his team’s tendency to make life difficult for themselves, and there will be a few twists and turns yet.

Manchester City’s early exit from Europe will be an advantage when the Champions League starts up again in February, and United are still conceding far too many goals. Could they afford to lose Robin van Persie to injury?

If City and Chelsea are still in contention when the Old Trafford derby rolls around on April 6, it will be very interesting. Three of United’s next four games after that are against Chelsea, Arsenal and away to Stoke. They are definitely favourites but there’s still everything to play for.




SAMI MOKBEL

You only have to look at last season to realise the title race is far from done and dusted. Yes, seven points is a pretty sizeable gap but Manchester City have proved they have the minerals to close it - even though it does seem unlikely.

Keeping Robin van Persie fit will be key for United. He’s taken to life at Old Trafford like the proverbial duck to water and his all round game, not just his goals, will be pivotal.

Follow Sami Mokbel on Twitter @samimokbel81_dm

*

MIKE DICKSON

United’s remarkable resilience and superior firepower to anyone else means they are sure to win the title. The squad deserves a collective horsewhipping if they blow it from here.

Chelsea will come second and Benitez will get the chance to blow some of his owner’s money when he gets the job permanently at the end of the season, with the hate mob (temporarily) silenced.

Mancini will be fired for coming third, while Arsenal will keep Wenger on as they edge Everton for fourth.*

Follow Mike Dickson on Twitter @Mike_dickson_dm




COLIN YOUNG

If you were at the Stadium of Light on the final day of last season, you didn’t see Sergio Aguero’s championship winning goal. You just heard about it.

The moment that news came through, the Manchester United players on the pitch had to suffer the very public humiliation of handing the Barclays Premier League trophy to their city rivals. They were mocked by Sunderland fans, and in that moment I felt the destiny this season’s title was decided.

Revenge. That is what motivates Sir Alex Ferguson. he has signed Robin van Persie just to bring even more goals to his side when it matters. And it really matters now and, after seeing them squander so many chances at Sunderland yesterday, it’s hard to see City catching them this season.

Follow Colin Young on Twitter @cyoungdailymail

*

LAURIE WHITWELL

This has been a highly peculiar season, even by United’s standards, and it can be viewed in two ways. Either you imagine the multitude of goals shipped will eventually prove their undoing or you figure that, as they have consistently shown, even conceding large numbers will prove no obstacle to victory. This United side have a resilience and spirit greater than any I can remember and some attacking displays have been breath-taking.

But they remain egg-shell fragile defensively and that will worry Sir Alex Ferguson. They have allowed 92 shots on target, only four fewer than QPR, and in conceding 28 goals by halfway, they have exceeded season-long totals in title-winning campaigns from 2008/09 (24), 2007/08 (22) and 2006/07 (27).

Undoubtedly Robin Van Persie is a huge player and were he to get injured City and Chelsea would sniff a chance. But goals are coming from everywhere. Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra have six between them this term having scored just three in 10 previous seasons.

Such quirky details, alongside dazzling comeback performances, tell you United want this title back badly and will win it by sheer force of personality.

Follow Laurie Whitwell on Twitter @lauriewhitwell




SIMON CASS

There are plenty of reasons why Manchester United are not certainties for the title and not just because I am a bitter Newcastle United supporter!

Take their shaky defence for example, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have conceded more than any other side in the top half and twice as many as at the same stage last season. All very well when Robin van Persie is banging them in at the other end but will the Dutchman stay injury free until the end of the season?

And despite seemingly having sown things up by the turn of the year, Ferguson’s men only have one more point than they head this time last year.* Given the trials and tribulations of their rivals surely the gap to Manchester City should be greater than seven points. Lest we forget, City were five points back at the beginning of April last year and still did the business on the final day.

This year, Mancini’s men can concentrate fully on staying in touch with their Champions League chasing neighbours while Chelsea’s resurgence under Rafa Benitez means they are not out of it yet.* Furthermore, Ferguson is adamant he will not be buying in January while City and Chelsea are sure to strengthen.

There’s still lots of life left in this title race.

Follow Simon Cass on Twitter @simon_cassdm

*

SAM CUNNINGHAM

What can stop United? Well, Fernando Torres has been reunited with a manager who knows him well and knows how to get the most out of him. He’s scored seven goals in nine games under Rafa Benitez and that was after three matches getting his confidence back so that’s seven in his last six.

Add the real goalscoring Torres who was sensational in Spain and lived up to the hype initially when he came to England to Chelsea’s team and they have a side that can catch United. Three of Juan Mata, Oscar, Eden Hazard or Victor Moses behind a striker who can actually score is frightening.

Win their game in hand and Chelsea are eight points off top spot – that’s not out of sight.

Follow Sam Cunningham on Twitter @samcunningham

[rondwisan]

Moga-moga aja beneran nih ....., rejekinya RvP bergabung ama United ...., Aamiin aamiin ...
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A striking difference: United's signing of Van Persie has changed title race, says Mancini
dailymail.co.uk, Ian Ladyman - 31 December 2012


A meticulous forward planner, Roberto Mancini is already looking ahead to the summer.

Once this season is over, therefore, we can expect some serious interest from Manchester City in centre forwards Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani.

On Monday morning at City's windswept training ground, however, Mancini was looking backwards, as well as forwards.


The difference: Roberto Mancini rues missing out on the signing of Robin van Persie last summer

As he anticipated another close encounter with neighbours Manchester United over the remaining 19 games of the Barclays Premier League season, the City manager returned to the subject of his club's failed attempt to sign Robin van Persie from Arsenal last summer.

As news of their manager's words filtered across to the executive offices at the Etihad Stadium, eyebrows will have been raised.

There is a desire at boardroom level at City for Mancini to stop discussing the what-ifs of last summer's rather disappointing efforts in the transfer market.


Bailed out: Van Persie scored the winner against Manchester City in a thrilling derby encounter


Improvement: Sergio Aguero has scored half the amount of league goals Van Persie has this season

evertheless, it is also hard to disagree with Mancini's assertion that Van Persie has so far been a significant difference between the clubs as United have opened up a sevenpoint gap over the reigning champions.

City, it must be said, are short of goals. Van Persie has scored 14 times in the league so far this season while the champions' quartet of strikers have managed only 23 between them.

'Robin van Persie is an important player for them,' said Mancini. 'It's clear that the difference is this. He has changed the situation.

'We wanted him in the summer because we knew he would be an important player. He is totally different from our other strikers.'

The Van Persie subject came up again after Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport ran an interview with Mancini in which he expressed his regret at not clinching the signing of the Holland forward.

At the heart of the City manager's frustration is that he feels he had a head start on United when he first made contact with the player back in March.

Van Persie has gone on record as saying that he only ever wanted to move to Old Trafford. Mancini's memory of events has always been very different.


Confident: Mancini (left) believes the title race will be close, despite United leading by seven points

He refused to elaborate on what he felt went wrong, showing some diplomacy in saying: 'I know, but I won't say'.

What is known, though, is that City and Van Persie were in constant contact throughout the European Championship and indeed right up until they made him an improved financial offer in the days before he finally plumped for United in August.

'Three or four months earlier, we were there,' said Mancini. 'But there is nothing we can do now.'

In his interview that appeared in his home country yesterday, Mancini suggested that United deserved their current lead in the table.

'Maybe it should be two points instead of seven, though,' he added. Certainly the gap between the two clubs could well narrow over the coming weeks and neither are expected to figure prominently in the transfer window.


Colossus: Yaya Toure will leave City to travel to the Africa Cup of Nations in January


Stepping up: James Milner is likely to get more game time in Toure's absence


Chipping in: Edin Dzeko has fired in eight goals this campaign, including a brace against Norwich

Mancini is an admirer of Demba Ba but would need somebody to make an offer for Mario Balotelli in order to interfere with Chelsea's interest in the Newcastle striker.

As stated, meanwhile, he will only harden his efforts to prise either Falcao from Atletico Madrid or Cavani from Napoli once he knows what is happening with Balotelli and Edin Dzeko in the summer.

For now, Mancini must hope his current squad manages to find a little extra as they look to rein in Sir Alex Ferguson's team. One of the reasons City's failure to sign Van Persie remains such a disappointment is that the majority of the players they did buy in the summer have made such modest contributions.

Now, with their midfield colossus Yaya Toure about to disappear to the Africa Cup of Nations for a month or so, City need improved performances from the likes of Javi Garcia, James Milner and Sergio Aguero - among others - if they are to produce what they need.


Back in the goals: Mancini had criticised his strikers for being 'soft'


Class act: Van Persie fired in a sumptuous finish at Old Trafford against West Brom

Mancini's mood has calmed a little since a home defeat by United - Van Persie scoring the winner - and a loss at Sunderland.

On Monday he joked about the fact the FA wish to talk to him about comments he made about the referee at Sunderland and even poked gentle fun at his rival from Old Trafford.

'I haven't had the letter from the FA yet,' he said. 'The post in this country is terrible.

'Maybe next time I should run on the pitch at half-time with my hands in the air and shout at the referee.

'This is a joke. This has been a fantastic year for us. I hope that this coming year will be the same.'

[rondwisan]

01/01/2013 17:53, Report by Adam Marshall
Sir Alex stays grounded



Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his table-toppers not to make the same mistakes as last year as United opened 2013 with a 4-0 triumph against Wigan Athletic.

The Reds are seven points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit but nobody at Old Trafford is getting carried away after Manchester City*overtook the Reds*from further back*late into the 2011/2012 race to take the title.

"Over the years, December has been a good month for us," the boss told MUTV. "There's 17 games left and we have a seven-point lead. It's not what I would say is a healthy lead but it is a lead and it gives us something to kick on with.

"We just don't want to make the mistakes we did last year."

The manner of the success at the DW Stadium, scene of a costly reverse last term, clearly pleased Sir Alex.*

[rondwisan]

01/01/2013 17:53, Report by Adam Marshall
Sir Alex stays grounded



Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his table-toppers not to make the same mistakes as last year as United opened 2013 with a 4-0 triumph against Wigan Athletic.

The Reds are seven points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit but nobody at Old Trafford is getting carried away after Manchester City*overtook the Reds*from further back*late into the 2011/2012 race to take the title.

"Over the years, December has been a good month for us," the boss told MUTV. "There's 17 games left and we have a seven-point lead. It's not what I would say is a healthy lead but it is a lead and it gives us something to kick on with.

"We just don't want to make the mistakes we did last year."

The manner of the success at the DW Stadium, scene of a costly reverse last term, clearly pleased Sir Alex.*

[rondwisan]

Title race far from over, Man City’s Vincent Kompany warns Man Utd
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists the Premier League title race is far from over, despite seven-point deficit
SportReview, Nicholas Godden - Thursday 3 January 2013



Vincent Kompany led City to the Premier League title last term

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says the title race is far from over and insists the club can overhaul Manchester United’s lead at the top of Premier League.

United, who are chasing their 20th league title, remain seven points clear of their city rivals after both teams started the new year with victories earlier this week.

But Kompany remains confident his side can retain their status as champions of England and produce a repeat of last season, when City overturned an eight-point deficit to claim their first title for more than 40 years.

“A couple of years ago, if we had fallen seven points behind, we would have said it would be very difficult,” Kompany said.

“But now we have done it and won the title, nobody panics. Everything is still possible.

“We have proved what we can do and everybody is calm. That’s the advantage you get when you win it once. You have that inner confidence and although the media and the fans get excited, we don’t.

“We are perfectly capable of having a long winning streak that will bring us very close. We have set our standards high and worked hard for a long time to bring ourselves into this position."
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Thanks Mas Bro, keep warn anak2 Red Devils ya, biar nggak ada yg lengah dan terbuai dengan keunggulan yg ada sekarang #okesip

menjelang akhir Musim lalu City tertinggal 8 point dari United, tapi di penghujung musim resultnya seperti foto di atas tuh

[rondwisan]

Mourinho backs United to beat City to title... and tips Spurs to edge out Arsenal for top four
dailymail.co.uk, David Kent - 6 January 2013


Jose Mourinho has backed Manchester United to rip the Premier League title away from bitter rivals Manchester City.

The Real Madrid boss, who is under pressure in the Spanish capital after a poor run of results in La Liga, believes the city neighbours will battle it out for supremacy.

But it is Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, who face Madrid in the Champions League next month, who he expects to come out on top.


In charge: Manchester United lead the way in the Premier League

‘United are top and when they are up there it is never easy to kick them out of first place,’ he told The Sun.

‘But City have an incredible squad and they are the champions and will fight to remain champions.’

Mourinho also expects Arsenal to miss out on the Champions League next season, instead favouring his former assistant Andre Villas-Boas’ Tottenham side.

‘Tottenham has a fantastic squad, some brilliant players — some of the best in the Premier League,’ he added.


Main man: Jose Mourinho prepares his Real Madrid side for a return to action

‘And now they have found consistency in their performances.

‘So far this season Arsenal have been up and down — they’re good and not so good.

“They are not in the top four but they have always finished in the top four so you can say “Why not again this season?”

‘But it will be tough. They will be fighting with Tottenham, Chelsea and Everton so it be very difficult.


Woe: Mourinho expects Arsenal to miss out on the Champions League

The 49-year-old meanwhile ruled his old club Chelsea out of the title race.

‘The defeat to QPR has killed their chances of being champions but they have a game in hand and will fight for the top four again,’ he said.

'So for me the top four will be United, City, Spurs and Chelsea.' ( aamiin ..... )

[zudomiriku]

Red Devils Can Win Premier League Without Wayne Rooney



Wayne Rooney is no longer indispensable to Manchester United's Premier League hopes.

Prior to this season, Rooney was one of the Red Devils' most important players. That all changed upon the arrival of Robin van Persie.

Many were skeptical of the Dutch striker moving to Old Trafford. Sure he's a world-class striker, but United already had plenty of options in the attack. The logic was that the club could be improved in other ways.

Instead, Van Persie has become arguably the most important player in the Premier League.

In addition, United have shown that they can be successful even without Rooney at this stage.

The club reported on its website earlier in the week that Rooney's recovery from a knee gash wasn't on schedule, an as a result, he would miss the FA Cup game against West Ham and will not play this weekend against Liverpool.

However, as the Daily Mirror has pointed out, Rooney could very well make an appearance at the FA Cup replay next weekend.

Upon his return to full health, Rooney will be an almost automatic inclusion in the squad. Some might think that the striker can push United even further ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League table and get the club closer to a European title.

Really, though, does Rooney make United all that much better than they are right now?

Van Persie brings to United all of the great assets that a club looks for in a striker. In addition, he is the kind of player that Rooney has failed to become.

Rooney is a world-class striker, and he's won numerous Player of the Year awards. He hasn't, however, been the kind of talisman that United has been looking for.

When he's at his best, Rooney can turn a game around and single-handedly get the Red Devils a win. That hasn't happened enough, though.

He's one of the most frustrating players in the Premier League because when he's on form, he's great. On the other hand, when Rooney struggles, it's very glaring.

Van Persie has shown over the past few seasons that he is that kind of player. He did it at Arsenal, and he's doing it right now with United.

In addition, Rooney can't help what have been the biggest problems with the club so far—midfield and defense.

The center of midfield hasn't been addressed at all over the last few years. Roy Keane has never really been replaced, and while defensive midfielders are being outmoded, United could still use a dependable ball-winner.

It's both incredible and confounding that Sir Alex Ferguson can consistently have Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs together in midfield and be seven points atop the Premier League title.

And then there's the back four, which was a bedrock for the club during last year's league campaign.

United surrendered 33 goals in the Premier League all of last season. Just 21 games into this year, they have let in 29 goals.

Their defensive frailties were never more evident than in the 4-3 win against Newcastle.

Nemanja Vidic getting back to full health should help, but there's still problems at the back.

While United remain a flawed squad, they can get on just fine without Rooney

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1474820-manchester-united-news-red-devils-can-win-premier-league-without-wayne-rooney

untung pas Rooney cedera RVP tetap onfire, duet ama Chicha juga gak kalah apik