Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

4. Manchester United

Last Season: 7th Manager: Louis Van Gaal Opening Fixture: Swansea (h) Transfer Activity: There is a renewed sense of optimism around Old Trafford this summer after last season's dismal showing under David Moyes, though that is probably not down to United's transfer activity. That's not to say the near £60million spent on Ander Herrera (Athletico Bilbao) and Luke Shaw (Southampton) is not good business, it's just that the squad appeared in need of a serious revamp that surpasses the signing of only two high-profile players. There have been several big-name departures from Old Trafford this summer too, including the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, and Louis Van Gaal will surely be looking to bring in some defenders to compensate, Thomas Vermaelen and Mats Hummels have been consistently mentioned. Other notable departures at the club include Federico Macheda, Alexander Buttner, Jack Barmby and Bebe. Possible Starting XI: De Gea; Jones, Smalling, Evans; Valencia, Fletcher, Herrera, Shaw; Mata; Rooney, Van Persie Key Player: Robin Van Persie Verdict: After going unbeaten in pre-season, things could hardly have gone better for Van Gaal so far at Manchester United. He has an aura about him that is similar in ways to that of Sir Alex Ferguson in that he leaves you in doubt about who is in charge at the club. The Dutchman has stamped his authority early on at Old Trafford, criticising their pre-season schedule and accusing new signing Luke Shaw of not being fit enough to train with the first team squad, but he also appears to be respected by everybody that he comes into contact with. Despite all of this, he is not a miracle worker and turning a squad which is largely the same as last season's which finished 7th into title contenders seems a near impossible task, barring a sudden influx of marquee signings - or a Cristiano Ronaldo - which seems unlikely. But if he can get United back into the top four this season it will generally be seen as relatively successful, and that's certainly not an impossible task. Prediction: 4th