9 reasons to look forward to the new season, by Daniel Pond @danielpond1995:

1. Defense of our crown as we push towards number twenty:

Last season, we made history, becoming the most successful team in the land, eclipsing Liverpool’s domestic record of 18 league titles. However, that is history now, and the Reds are now fully concentrated on retaining their crown once again.

This isn’t going to be easy though, with Sir Alex and Wayne Rooney pointing out that we will be amongst five or six teams fighting for the title. Whether those quotes are out of respect or genuine thoughts, I’m not quite sure. But, we musn’t rule them out.

Of course, Chelsea, as normal, will probably be our main competitors, but also City, with the recent signing of Sergio Aguero sending out a real message of intent throughout Europe. Then you have Arsenal, who you cannot really judge at the moment, with the potential departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Also, Liverpool and Spurs will be fighting for a space in the top four this season. With the addition of Luis Suarez last season, and the return of club legend Kenny Dalglish as manager, they are now capable of getting back into the top four, on the back of two extremely disappointing seasons by their standards. Spurs need to keep Luka Modric to stand any chance of breaking into the top four, but you’d be foolish to rule them out. A few good signings, especially a world class striker, and they’ll be right up there.

2. Return of the loanees:

Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Kiko Macheda – three of our brightest prospects – were last season loaned out to Sunderland, Wigan and Sampdoria, respectively. All impressed apart from the latter, who had a disappointing six months at relegated Sampdoria.

However, Macheda has excelled in pre-season so far, showing signs of improvement and maturity. Some have argued whether he has a future at the club, but with Sir Alex hailing Kiko as a ‘special talent’ I think has answered questions about his future. I think we can all look forward to seeing these three players play a more involved role next season, with more loans looking unlikely, despite the major competition in the striking department.

And who knows, in Tom Cleverley, we may have a ready-made replacement for Paul Scholes.

3. New signings

Sir Alex has spent around £50m already this summer as he aims to build a side capable of overcoming the mighty Barcelona.

The additions of David de Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones prove that he is looking at the future as well as the present.

David de Gea has the task of replacing the now-retired Edwin Van Der Sar, competing with Anders Lindegaard for the number 1 shirt. De Gea, at 20, could possibly be here for the best part of 20 years, if he replicated the success and performances of Van Der Sar at United.

Then you have Phil Jones, our £16m signing from Blackburn, who has been handed the number 2 shirt, last worn by club legend Gary Neville, an indication of the trust and faith Sir Alex has in this boy. No pressure. Mooted as a long term replacement for our current centre backs, along with fellow England colleague Chris Smalling, Jones has the potential to be a world class centre back that, at the age of 19, could be with us for some time. Already, the media have said that he and Chris Smalling are the future of the United defence. He also offers versatility, being able to play as a defensive midfielder or at right back.

Last, but not least, Ashley Young – our £18m recruit from Aston Villa. Able to play on either wing, or just off the striker, Ashley offers the versatility that could be so useful to Sir Alex. Young has a great cross on him, great pace, and also offers a goal threat.

With the retirement of Paul Scholes, Sir Alex may be looking to make just one more signing, with Wesley Sneijder, at the moment, looking his top target, despite a £35m price tag and wages of around £190,000 a weeki.

4. New crop of youngsters?

United’s academy has a proven record of producing great players, and this year, we have a few players coming through who could be the future of United. Firstly, Ravel Morrison, I’m sure you’ve heard of him. Hailed as being ‘the most naturally gifted player since Paul Scholes to come through’ there is obviously a lot of excitement surrounding this young kid. However, Ravel is prone to getting in trouble with the law. But, recent signs of improvement have given great encouragement to the United staff.

Secondly, Paul Pogba. A player who plays in the centre of midfield, who Sir Alex said was ‘very close to going on tour with the squad’.

The others are Ryan Tunnicliffe (on loan at Peterborough), William Keane and Michael Keane. I would think there is a great chance that Sir Alex would give most, if not all, of these players a run out in the Carling Cup next season, something which I am much looking forward to.

5. Has Wayne Rooney found his best position?

Towards the back end of last season, Rooney was played in a ‘trequartista’ role in between midfield and attack. He thrived in this position, forming a new formidable partnership with Javier Hernandez. Rooney’s amazing passing ability, which has drawn comparisons to Paul Scholes, entitles him to link up play between midfield and attack offering another source of creativity – something United were lacking for the first half of last season. My prediction is that Wayne will continue to play this role next season when partnered with Chicharito, as they complement each other beautifully.

The only downside to this is that it is likely we will see less goals from him, with him playing deep.

6. Smalling and Chicharito’s second seasons at the club

20 goals in your first season in Europe isn’t bad, eh? That was what was achieved by £7m signing from Chivas – Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.  Ever since his debut goal against MLS All Start in pre season, we knew this kid was special. And he proved that, with his goals and performances over the season – earning him a start in the Champions League Final, and with his starring role in Mexico’s successful Gold Cup campaign.  It’s a frightening thought imagining just how good this boy could be.

Chris Smalling also had an extremely successful first season at the club. Moving from non league football to representing the biggest club in the world in the space of a few years is an extraordinary achievement.

Here’s hoping (well, expecting) another great season from the pair of them.

7. Rafael v Fabio

We have arguably the best defence in the world football. But, there is a spot up for grabs – right back. The two contenders for this spot is our Brazilian twins, Rafael and Fabio.

Since arriving at the club, there is no doubt that Rafael has made the best impression, with his brother being the victim of some long term injuries, combined with fierce competition for the lft back squad, with arguably the best left back around, Patrice Evra, ahead of him. But, Rafael succumbed to injury in the back end of last season, leaving room for Fabio to come and prove his worth. Fabio was excellent, earning a start in the Champions League final ahead of his brother, who had just returned to fitness, and the now departed John O’Shea.

Rafael may be the favourite, but it will be an intriguing battle with the twins competing with each other for a space in the first team.

8. Can Wayne and Rio win their first FA Cup?

This may come as a surprise to some people, but the only medals missing from their trophy cabinets are FA Cup medals. Could this be the season they win it?

9. The chance to laugh at City

With all the money they are spending, it is inevitable that City will soon win (or buy) a major trophy. However, despite Sheikh Mansour spending about £350m, including the recent signing of Kun Aguero, they have only won ONE trophy – the FA Cup.

City obviously do not know how to find a bargain like we do (Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Fabio, Rafael, Valencia, Chicharito, Cantona etc) or use their academy, so they feel the need to spend loads on players, such as Adebayor, Dzeko, Milner and Lescott, to name a few. So, when we beat them, victory will be so much sweeter, knowing how much they have spent.

So, beating them, or them ending the season trophyless, has to be quite amusing for us, whilst embarrassing for them.

Comment and Subscribe