Don’t speak too soon?

Last season was strange for Manchester United fans. It began with the traditional sluggish start that follows most World Cup summers. A ton of draws and unconvincing displays led many pundits and even more fans to write off United’s chances when they were nine points off the pace in October. You couldn’t blame them. But Chelsea and Arsenal underwent their respective collapses and somehow, despite the Wayne Rooney saga, sub-standard displays and a glaring lack of quality, United found themselves on top of the tree at Christmas.

Yes, last season was strange. Because it wasn’t a “vintage” Manchester United team, as every pundit on every television channel and newspaper has severally pointed out. It was a team that ground out results and battled through to victory relying less on attractive football and more on a winning mentality. Some went as far as saying that it was solely Sir Alex Ferguson who was responsible for the 19th title. Poetic, since he did want to knock Liverpool off their “perch” himself.

The Champions League final was a rude reality check, though. Barcelona are, without doubt, the greatest footballing side on the planet, and gave Manchester United and Sir Alex a lesson on that fateful night in May. Fancy that. Someone giving Fergie a lesson. But it was there for all to see. United had a creative hole in midfield. They had the legs, but lacked composure and vision. Paul Scholes hung up his boots and a certain man whose name rhymes with “Spider” was mentioned all through the summer. But Ferguson maintained that he would not be signing the Dutchman.

At the start of this season, Ferguson banished last season’s midfield mainstays of Carrick and Giggs to the bench, keeping the faith in the youthful exuberance of Anderson and Cleverley, and they’re already looking like Premier League stars. With Anderson in particular, we’d all agree that it’s about time. His dancing skills, though, leave a lot to be desired. Ashley Young has fitted in to the left of midfield seamlessly, adding a dash of dynamism that Antonio Valencia, for all his pace and quality, does not possess.

If United’s twin towers of Vidic and Ferdinand had both walked off injured in last season’s opener, you would have called it a crisis. But in Jones, Evans and Smalling, Ferguson has a set of arguably the best young center halves in Britain. They were totally at ease against Spurs on Monday night, and if anything, the veteran Evra looked like the weakest link in defence. Phil Jones’ composure and ability is simply astonishing for the age of 19. He looks like he’s been a defender at the highest level for a good number of years.

Another complaint of United last year was a lack of players on the bench to make an impression. How about Monday’s bench, then? Carrick, Giggs, Berbatov, Chicharito, Park and Fabio. With Valencia, Fletcher and Owen still held in reserve. Not too bad, if you ask me.

There’s still a question about the man between the sticks, but personally, I feel the media is scrutinizing David De Gea far too much. Yes, he made a couple of gaffes in his opening matches. Yes, he’s scrawny and needs to bulk up to deal with the likes of Stoke City. Yes, he’s 20 and can’t find his shaving blade. But he is still a quality keeper who proved he wasn’t a flash in the pan for an entire season at Athletico Madrid. Schmeichel and Van der Sar took time to adapt to the Premier League as well. He needs to be given time and he will shine through. Take the cameras off him and let his talent speak for itself.

Although it’s only been three months since Barcelona walked all over United at Wembley, this squad has undergone a massive overhaul. Wayne Rooney has new hair and looks fitter than ever. Youngsters have come in up and down the field and staked their claim for first team football, making this squad the youngest in the Premier League. The quality and fluency that has always been associated with United is back. Add to that the undying winning mentality of the 70 year-old Sir Alex that courses through every squad he builds. The renovation of Manchester United is on at full tilt and looks ominously close to being the final product.

It’s only two games in to the season and perhaps I’m speaking too soon, but right now is a pretty good time to be a United fan.