TheHardTackle's Guest Author Uanhoro James walks through the squads of the Northern teams in the English Premier League - Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. In Part 1 of his piece, he studies the defending champions.
After a season of intense scrutiny, sometimes unbearable pressure (for the players and manager at least), with the weight of expectancy at times threatening to bury the team, will they now push on and hit new heights, having met the targets set out for them? Howard Hockin previews Man City's upcoming season.
THT looks at the sign of things to come for Manchester United and Sir Alex as the Red Devils came back from a two goal deficit to silence their 'noisy neighbours' once again.
The season begins with a bang at Wembley in the Community Shield match between Manchester rivals, City and United. Expect no love lost in the charity game as both teams wll be eager to gain one over the other. THT previews the high profile curtain raiser.
As the new season of the Barclays Premier league is just a week away, THT previews Manchester United's defence of their crown. All the pre-season build-up, expectations and player arrivals and departures with an eye on the fixture list. Can Fergie's men defend their crown?
United are looking for a home grown talent to take the league by the storm. THT examines the credentials of one such candidate - Tom Cleverly. Will Tom be the cheese to United's macroni?
TheHardTackle's Guest Author Jonny "Lanky Guy" Mullins notes how rotating squad players through the starting XI line-up, once frowned upon, is being increasingly accepted as crucial to a title-winning campaign.
TheHardTackle's guest author Ateesh Kropha looks at Sir Alex's attempts at forming a formidable team for next season. And if his side meets Barca again, will it be good enough?
Sir Alex Ferguson's refusal to spend on a midfielder in a recent interviews has sent panic waves amongst United fans around the globe. THT explores all such combinations that the Scot could look to use in the upcoming season.
Paul Scholes has been an United legend and his departure naturally will leave a gaping hole in the United midfield. How will Sir Alex cope with the loss of the Ginger Ninja and who will replace him? Read on to find out.
