Manchester United will look to channel the disappointment of 2010 into a serious title bid this time around.

By Vineeth Krishnan

English title number 19, another successful European season and maybe the FA Cup to boost. The expectations from Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United squad heading into the 2009-2010 season were plenty. Ending the campaign with just a Carling Cup to show for their efforts was definitely a disappointment for the Red Devils. At the start of what promises to be yet another nerve-wracking season of football action, it remains to be seen whether Mancunia will have more to celebrate.

The early form has at least been better in comparison to the previous campaign. Man Utd had suffered a defeat against eventual Premier League champions Chelsea in the season-opening Community Shield in 2009, but this time around, managed to get the better of the Blues with a convincing 3-1 thumping at Wembley.

The pre-season tour of North America has also produced few solid performances and the likes of Tom Cleverley and new-signing Javier Hernandez have been impressive.

But the big question that must be grappling football fans and Man U followers across the globe would be nothing but life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. Whether United have recovered from the body blow or not, only time can tell.

While Hernandez looks to be a signing for the future, the major concern for the present remains whether United have progressed from being a one-man team reliant on Wayne Rooney, to a side capable of sustaining a year-long challenge for the league’s title. Sir Alex Fergusson's reluctance to add to the side in the summer, repeatedly claiming there is no value in an inflated player market, has already got critics doubting the side’s ability to finish in the top three. But having missed out on the title by a solitary point- is Sir Alex justified in his belief that his side is still strong enough?

The major points of worry remain the same. United were in pole position to claim a fourth straight Premier League title heading into April, but an injury to Rooney laid them low at a crucial juncture. Record-signing Dimitar Berbatov failed to impress in the Englishman’s absence and with Michael Owen as injury-prone as ever, United still appear to be dependent on the former Everton-man to provide the goals. But young Mexican sensation Hernandez is looking to change all that and with four goals in as many pre-season games, the striker signed on the cheap from his native club Chivas Guadalajara, has set the red half of Manchester buzzing.

His pace and positional sense mark him out as a threat to any defence and along with Federico Macheda, Hernandez will strengthen the United frontline. With Mame Biram Diouf and Danny Welbeck sent out on season-long loans, it appears that Sir Alex is happy with the options he has on hand.

Another worrisome area for the side is the defence or to be more precise, keeping the defence fit. A backline of Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra if fully fit, is probably one of the best in the league. But United had nine defenders out injured at one point last season and while another occurrence of such a freakish injury-plague is unlikely, the addition of Chris Smalling from Fulham will definitely bolster the defensive depth.

Johnny Evans has grown in experience and Rafael and Fabio da Silva are also benefiting from the guidance of stalwarts like club-captain Gary Neville. The versatility of Wes Brown and John O’Shea highlights their importance to the side.

Darren Fletcher has cemented his spot in the centre of midfield but in the continued absence of Owen Hargreaves and Anderson, the onus is on Michael Carrick to step up to the plate. The time has passed when Paul Scholes could play three games a week but the former England international can still turn in unparalleled performances, like the Man of the Match showing at Wembley.

The goal-scoring ability of Darren Gibson was one of the positives to come out of the 2010 season and he will be gunning for more first team opportunities. On the wings, Antonia Valencia should have benefited from a season at Old Trafford and Park ji Sung, Nani, Ryan Giggs and Gabriel Obertan provide plenty of options for the manager. The cleverness of Cleverley should have an impact on games, when used. His ability to play anywhere in midfield is another ace up Sir Alex’s sleeve.

In goal, Edwin van der Sar remains the number one keeper even though he has touched his forties and the sale of Ben Foster means that Tomasz Kuszczak will have a huge role to play. Young Ben Amos will look to impress when given a chance.

A staple diet of success is what the United youngsters are bred on and like the class of ‘92, the burden will be on the likes of Macheda, Hernandez and the da Silvas to spearhead the club in years to come. For this year, another strong title charge is definitely on the cards.