Manchester United have had one on the worst starts to their Premier League campaign in recent years. Two draws and a derby loss to bitter rivals Manchester City put Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the unfamiliar position of 19th in the league, until a very lucky win over Spurs gave the team some impetus.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now retired and the injury list is still a problem for the usually near-invincible champions.  Wayne Rooney looks like being out for a considerable time and Louis Saha is still a few weeks still from returning up front. Carlos Tevez failed to set West Ham alight and I feel he will struggle over the course of the season, though he may show glimpses of his talent.

The midfield of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani could be the saving of the Red Devils this season. Ronaldo, red-carded in an earlier game, missed the match against Spurs, while Nani scored a spectacular winner. Tottenham, however, were unlucky not to get a point at Old Trafford and had at least one good penalty claim turned down by the referee. Ryan Giggs, despite being a near veteran, still has enough pace to deal with most defenders.

'The midfield of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani could be the saving of the Red Devils this season'


In defence, United are still missing England star Gary Neville while the likes of Nemanja Vidic don't look up to the job, especially in Europe where I see Fergie's men conceding goals against Europe's top strikers. Edwin van der Saar is a top-class keeper and Ferguson will look to him to keep United in many of the forthcoming games.

I can't see United challenging the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and even Arsenal this season. If Rooney gets back quick they may still have a chance but the team will struggle in Europe. They should qualify for the group stages, but after that they will find it tough. It's time Ferguson hung up his boots as the gaffer at Old Trafford, with maybe Blackburn's excellent manager Mark Hughes getting the job in his place.