Five things to know about Manchester United going into 2013-14 English Premier League season
It has been the saga of the offseason, and it does not look like it's nearing an end as Manchester United continues to block Chelsea's pursuit of Wayne Rooney.
SUCCEEDING FERGUSON
David Moyes landed the dream job in English football when he was appointed as the new Manchester United coach at the end of last season. He is now facing the daunting task of proving he is the right man in the right place at a club where success has been the norm over the past two decades. Moyes was selected by Ferguson to succeed him after a 27-year reign that produced 38 trophies. Moyes, whose only previous honor was the third-tier title he won with Preston in 2000 before 11 trophyless though not unsuccessful years with Everton, started his United stint in style with a 2-0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield last Sunday.
ROONEY'S FUTURE
It has been the saga of the offseason, and it does not look like it's nearing an end as Manchester United continues to block Chelsea's pursuit of Wayne Rooney. United has already rejected two offers from the London side for the England striker, who is said to be unhappy at the club, where he has to live in the shadow of Robin van Persie. The Netherlands striker was instrumental in United's quest for its record-extending 20th English title, claiming the league's Golden Boot after scoring 26 goals. Rooney has not played in any of the official pre-season matches and a shoulder injury kept him out of last Sunday's Community Shield win over Wigan.
RISING STARS
There was the star-studded class of 1992 and it's time for Manchester United's new generation of gifted players to emerge. On top of this list stand Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard, who stood out during United's preseason tour and are expected to be given first-team opportunities. A Manchester boy, Lingard was called up for England's Under-21 friendly with Scotland this week. He can play on the flanks or in a more central role while Januzaj is a well-balanced midfielder from Belgium. Another one to watch is Wilfried Zaha, the former Crystal Palace forward regarded by pundits as a future great after he played a crucial part in Palace's promotion to the topflight.
TRANSFER STRUGGLES
With less than three weeks to go before the transfer window closes, United are still chasing a big-money signing that would help launch the David Moyes era. The Red Devils have failed in their attempts to lure Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. United are also expected to make offers for Everton's Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.
RELYING ON THE OLD GUARD
For his first season in charge, Moyes can count on some precious advice from the most decorated player in British football history, Ryan Giggs, who has been named player-coach. Giggs has spent his entire career at United since making his debut in 1991. He has been taking his coaching diplomas and is due to attain the UEFA Pro Licence. Former Everton and United player Phil Neville has also joined the Red Devils' backroom staff as first-team coach.