Manchester United can still win the Premier League. That's the opinion of legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking yesterday at one of many Q&A sessions at a sold-out Lowry Theatre in Salford. To many, this is a statement that pangs of fervent loyalty to the club he so heroically served for a quarter of a century. For surely there is no way United can retain their title. The Red Devils have made their worst start to a Premier League season ever and their worst start to any league season since 1989. Defeats against Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom, coupled with draws against Chelsea and Southampton have left the champions eighth, and eight points off the pace of leaders Arsenal. If manager David Moyes had been hoping for anything remotely close to a smooth transition after replacing Ferguson, he hasn't gotten it, and has yet to win over certain sections of the Old Trafford support. A poor pre-season mixed with a poor summer transfer window have proven costly for the Reds, while their rivals have strengthened in key areas. All of which, as we explain here, means United will not retain their title this season. Here are 5 reasons why.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
