Success Expected

No team has a stronger English spine than Manchester United, and that includes England. And no English side has the flair of United's dynamic forward line, and that certainly includes England. It is this fusion of skill and steel that makes this arguably the best squad Sir Alex Ferguson has ever assembled, and United favourites for the Premiership title.

Of course, that does not necessarily ensure United will win the league. Jose Mourinho, charged with the task of overhauling Arsenal's bar-raising Invincibles, set an unprecedented standard when he arrived on these shores - between 1996 and 2003, it took an average 81 points to finish on top of the pile; in the last four seasons that figure is 10 points higher.

The Champions League - the only tournament in European football that has genuine competitive depth - is even more unpredictable, with nine or 10 clubs in with a realistic chance. Ferguson will need to improve on his knockout record in the competition - played 17, won seven, lost 10 - if United are to be one of those teams, and will hope new defensive screen Owen Hargreaves is the answer to his unsolved tactical conundrum, especially away from home, where United have lost nine and won just two of their last 14 Champions League games.

What has been most interesting about the summer at Old Trafford has been the age of Ferguson's other signings. Rather than buy finished products who could be expected - rather than hoped - to deliver him a fourth European trophy before he hangs up his jacket and tie, the manager has invested around £65m on prodigious talents whose best years are ahead of them. With Ben Foster and Jonny Evans among the youngsters retained this year rather than sent out on loan, Ferguson is developing a new side, spelling the end for the increasingly shaky (excluding penalties) Edwin van der Sar and a gradual phasing out for Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. These three still have a crucial role to play in the big games this season, but also an equally important role in schooling the next generation on the essence of playing for the club.

The star of United's pre-season, having scored in five games, has been one of the two players who merges these polar virtues of youth and experience. After being overshadowed by fellow old-head-on-young-shoulders Cristiano Ronaldo last season, Wayne Rooney - the most gifted all-round English player United have had since Duncan Edwards - is primed to fulfil his potential, but only if Ferguson makes him central to the team (indeed, it can be argued he should be the successor to the oft-injured Neville as captain - Giggs is too old, Rio Ferdinand too unpopular with fans, while Rooney is adored by all at the club and is a natural leader).

Rooney may not be a natural goalscorer - though 23 goals last season was a healthy return, especially as he was supposedly out of form for much of the season - but, with suitable support, he can be unstoppable as the most advanced player, as he proved against Milan in April (his best United performance) and in the semi-legendary 4-2 victory at Highbury in February 2005. When stationed on the left, he is not nearly so effective.

Ronaldo may have taken the plaudits last season - and rightly so - but Rooney is the epitome of the team. Young, dedicated, exciting and with a ravenous hunger for success, he could be the difference between United and Chelsea this season. He could even lead the team to European glory in May. Let's be honest, he has a better shot at it then than he does with England the following month.