Peter Schmeichel believes that the signing of Robin Van Persie makes Manchester United favourites for the title, despite their opening day loss.
Man City were keen to sign the striker but conceded before the striker joined United. Mancini has claimed United are favourites for the title but whilst his assertions are simple mind games, Schmeichel genuinely believes that United have the upper foot.
Schmeichel has played for both Manchester clubs and at the launch of the new Premier League season, The Great Dane spoke of why United are now in the driving seat:
“I’m very excited about him because, for me, it’s a game-changer.
“He was either going to go blue or red and he always said he wanted to go red. For me, that shows great intent. I like the fact that he was so focused about playing for United because he wanted to win trophies.
“I think he tips it in United’s favour to win the Premier League. Obviously he has to go out and perform. He had a magnificent season last season and it will be very difficult to reproduce that kind of form.
“But coming to Old Trafford, he will have quality players around him to provide him with chances.
“I expect him to be very successful.”
Schmeichel was talking at the launch of the 2012/2013 Premier League season, for behind the scene’s pictures of the event visit: http://www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball
Schmeichel also touched on a number of other subjects including the Glazers, goalkeepers, last season and United going trophyless in 2011/2012 to read all of these click here
It wasn’t a great start on Monday but I’m not too worried. We did lose and didn’t play great, but credit to Everton because they where difficult opponents. The reason I wouldn’t panic is because it was away to Everton at Goodision Park. It is always a difficult match and not one of the games you look forward too. I can’t imagine any of our rivals going away to Everton and having an easy game.
It was the luck of the draw that we had the hardest start to the season. Chelsea got Wigan and Man City got Southampton. No disrespect to them because they are both good teams, and I think Southampton will do really well this season. However Everton away is a much harder challenge.
I always remember 1999 and 2008 because in both those seasons we never started that well. In 1999 (it was technically 1998, but the treble season) we started the season with a draw to Leicester and West Ham in the first two games. It was inspiring stuff and no one would have predicted a treble. In 2008 we had the worse ever start. The first game we drew to Reading and then Portsmouth. The third game we lost to Man City. I think everyone knows both seasons ended fantastically for Man Utd.
I’m not saying the same will happen this season, but its a reason not to panic. Tomorrow is a a chance to get back on track against Fulham. A strong performance and some goals from Rooney and Van Persie will change the mood quickly, but Fulham will be tough oppositions as well. A very experience team with a class player in Dembele in the middle of the park. Its a big opportunity however because Man City have a tough game to Liverpool (even if some will disagree) and Chelsea face Newcastle. Arsenal are away to Stoke, so the other teams could drop points as well.