Don't Get Excited Yet

I admit that last year I didn't expect Manchester United to achieve the success they did. Honestly, who could have predicted that Cristiano Ronaldo, the dive queen of England would be able to perform the way he did? He was finally able to use his ridiculously flamboyant dribbling skill, mercurial pace and deceptive aerial ability to devastating effect, learning how to combine them into the final product. Over 40 goals in all competitions is not a figure I was expecting.

However, this year, I'm remaining pessimistic about the Red Devils' chances. While they have added a key piece in Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov and promoted some brilliant young talent (see Rafael), they haven't really strengthened their depth in the centre of midfield, an area that caused them problems last year. With Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves (perpetually) hurt, United look dangerously thin through the middle. While John O'Shea is a decent enough deputy, he hardly inspires confidence in the centre of the park. Darren Fletcher is a good player, but he's not quality enough to deserve a starting spot at Manchester United. The one bright spot for me is Anderson, but he is still relatively young and learning his trade.

I also feel like the addition of Dimitar Berbatov to the United ranks is one that could eventually upset the balance of the normally tight-knit squad. One of the trademarks of Alex Ferguson's United teams has been the rabid ferocity the whole team possesses when not in custody of the ball, and their sheer determination to win it back at all costs. Every member of the team (with the exception of Ronaldo at times) works together and there is no slacking off.

Dimitar Berbatov is not one to toil without immediate payoff: "Sometimes people would say that I am lazy but it's not true. My body language can be confusing. I may not need to run non-stop, because there is no need to chase unreachable balls... I like to play with my head. It's not about laziness, it's about the cleverness of the player. Real quality doesn't need to show effort." This precise attitude is why I feel he doesn't fit in with the Manchester United mentality. In their Champions League match with Aalborg, Berbatov frequently walked around the pitch when United wasn't in possession, hands on his hips, waiting for his teammates to win it back for him.

While this attitude may pass when times are good and the goals are flowing, it will most certainly not be tolerated in the United camp when matches are tight and hard work is needed to bring results. One of the reasons Carlos Tevez was able to so quickly ingratiate himself to United supporters was his excellent workrate as well as his commendable goalscoring record. Should Berbatov not adjust his attitude, he could well find himself warming the bench when Ferguson tires of his lackadaisical mindset and the team needs hard work.

If Berbatov and co. are able to successfully gel and the centre of midfield can stay out of harm's way, I may be forced to eat my words. However, if they cannot achieve the Manchester United style of constant pressure and hard work, I feel their chances are diminished greatly.