Five Reasons Manchester United will finish above Chelsea next season [Femi’s Column]

RVP and van Gaal for Holland

Manchester United has always been known as the “Football Powerhouse” of the 21st century. Under the tutelage of Alex Ferguson, the red devils achieved success in all competitions.

However, his retirement left the team in gloom. Last season, they finished 7th on the EPL standings; also without a silverware in their burgeoning trophy cabinet.

But its a new dawn for Manchester United next season. And below are Five reasons they could finish above their London rivals:

1) Louis van Gaal– If David Moyes was lacking experience in his abhorrent tenor, van Gaal is full of it. A manager who has previously been incharge of top-notch clubs; from Ajax to Barcelona, then Bayern, the dutch has the vital experience to lead any Footballing side to glory.

Also guided the Holland National team to a deserved World Cup Final which they lost unfortunately to a late sublime Iniesta finish, and currently has the chance to lead them again to glory, van Gaal is one of the round leather game’s best.

Despite a different League and environment next season, there’s onus on the 6ft1 inch coach to succeed; and if Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City would fight for the first three slots on the English Premier League table, Gaal would happily settle for fourth in his maiden season. Edging Chelsea to fifth in the process.

2) Robin VanPersie: Alex Ferguson stole Robin Vanpersie from Arsenal for a fee to be around £24Million. And the dutch maestro repaid every penny spent. He was highly influential in the Devils 20th League title; scoring scintillating goals that you can write a text book from.

Unfortunately, Ferguson retirement witnessed a dip in his form and injuries that culminated to a poor season under David Moyes.

But with van Gaal in the ranks, RVP would flourish again.

His goal ratio under Gaal for Holland is outstanding. He’s also set to be the team’s captain for next season.

With the trio clubs aforementioned fighting for the top three berth, and United joining the frame, its hard to see where Chelsea fits.

3) Last season’s recruit will flourish– Just few months back, Juan Mata and Fellaini were in the center of scrutiny from the Manchester faithful. Unfairly criticized and blamed for the team’s woes.

But I find it ludicrous that fans always want footballers to deliver in their initial season, forgetting they are humans and need time to adapt to a different club style.

When Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal, he struggled to replicate that superb form he demonstrated consistently in Madrid.

But he can only get better. And its no surprise book makers and analyst are assured of a better second season from the German shepard.

Similar with team mate Olivier Giroud. He came under heavy criticism in his first season, but his subsequent witnessed a settled striker that helped his team to an Fa Cup triumph.

It won’t be different with Juan Mata and Fellaini.

Mourinho on the other hand is planning on embarking on a massive clear-out. and we would be seeing new arrivals from different Leagues, Countries. It ostensibly means they need time to settle down to the English game.

4) Chelsea’s Europe distractions– One of the reasons Abramovich chose Mourinho again was to complete an unfinished business- The Uefa Champions League.

And the Russian billionaire is pumping a lot of cash into the transfer market in a bid to land that prestigious trophy again.

The Midweek fixtures is in no way Corroborating with the Premier League.

Players are mostly fatigued from the Midweek constraints and that results to poor performance during the weekends.

With the Blues seriously interested in the UCL trophy, they would be need to pay the price however.

In contrast, United are not playing Champions League football next season.

The players are unscathed from any midweek commitments and have a longer time to recuperate unlike their London enemies.

5) Mourinho not under pressure– Chelsea fans are so deluded to the flattering charm of the so-called Special One. They don’t mind him finishing 6th. If he’s staying, they are satisfied.

Benitez endured an excruciating short spell with the Chelsea supporters- He was booed and spurious chants were heard during match-days.

Still he brought home a shiny Europa League trophy. That however did not stop the faithful from requesting for a sack and a new manager. Just the typical Chelsea Football Club modulus operandi.

Mourinho failed to win a trophy last season. His mundane tactics came under question from his own players.

Still, there were no banners across Stamford Bridge asking for his back. Nor mocking chants.

That explains a lot. If the Blues fail to make top four next season, it would be a bad day in the office situation. Nothing more.