Manchester United Duo on League Challenges Ahead
Two of Manchester United's key players, striker Wayne Rooney and midfielder Ryan Giggs, have spoken about the difficulties their side will face during the upcoming season.
Last season, United were in the Premier League title chase until the last game, when Chelsea's win over Wigan meant United had to settle for second place. In 2009, United won both the domestic title and the Champions League.
Rooney, speaking to the Daily Star, said that the league is more competitive than it has ever been during his career.
“I know it’s a cliché, but there are no easy games in the Premier League," said Rooney, who joined United from Everton in 2004 after making 67 league appearances for the Blues.
“In previous seasons you might have had straightforward games, where the top clubs could afford to rest players, but that’s not the case any more.
“Nowadays it’s hard to leave players out because every game is competitive and difficult. The 2009-10 season was certainly the most competitive I’ve played in."
During the 2009/2010 season, Premier League champions Chelsea lost a total of six games, while United lost seven.
With Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa challenging for Champions League places alongside Liverpool and Arsenal this season, it could be long before the side with the strongest title bid emerges.
Giggs Fancies United and Chelsea
Giggs, meanwhile, does not predict such an even affair.
Speaking with the Manchester Evening Standard, Giggs said that his team and Chelsea were the clear contenders for the title, discounting Arsenal's title bid.
"Chelsea are the champions and they have been there and done it like us," said Giggs, who has played for United's senior team since 1990 and won 11 league titles with the club.
"Arsenal have got talented players but they have not won the title for a number of years."
Giggs went on to say that City, who have signed several players and are still looking to add Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli to their ranks, lacked the consistency required to maintain a title challenge throughout a whole season.
"You can't say they are not bringing in quality players but it is a question of how quickly they can gel together," Giggs explained, adding further pressure on United to perform in their first league game on August 16.
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