Manchester United have the Premier League won, and here’s why

As time ticks away on Manchester City’s tenure as Premier League champions, here are 3 key factors in why bitter rivals United have the title in the bag.

Robin van Persie – The obvious and most prominent factor in United’s success this season, van Persie has been near unstoppable since his summer transfer from Arsenal.  A major problem for United during last season’s title chase was goals, and an over reliance on the scoring contribution of Wayne Rooney.  Javier Hernandez had seemingly gone off the boil following an explosive first season and Danny Welbeck only in his first full season as a first team player at United.  Rooney himself despite being more what you may call a ‘Number 10’ found himself as United’s premier goal threat.  This lack of goals persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to splash the cash to bring the league’s top scorer from last season to Old Trafford.  The goals of van Persie have without doubt elevated United from last season with the Dutchman on many occasions digging his team out of a hole, particularly during the earlier part of the season when the champions elect were experiencing repetitive defensive frailties.

Poor Competition – There can be no doubt that current champions Manchester City are a shadow of the team they were during their title winning season.  A combination of formation tinkering and the complete loss of form of last season’s key men have meant the Citizens face a barren season on the silverware front.  Despite the problems at the Etihad, City remain United’s nearest challengers, early season pace setters Chelsea have gone on to experience their usual blend of managerial turmoil and reported player revolt to fade into the title race distance.  Last season’s pretenders Tottenham have recovered well from a poor start to the season to wrestle their way back into the hunt for Champions League places, with their North London rivals Arsenal remaining way off the pace.

Revenge – If there is one thing that manager Sir Alex Ferguson thrives on, it’s avenging past failures.  How many times have a United team managed by Ferguson recovered from missing out on the Premier League title by coming back stronger the following season to reclaiming what they believe to be their crown.  It started when Ferguson first took charge at Old Trafford, promising to knock Liverpool off their perch following the Red’s dominance of the 1980’s.  Over the years Blackburn, Arsenaland Chelsea have all temporarily held the Premier League title, only for all to be quickly removed from their perch by Ferguson’s men.  United’s ‘noisy neighbours’ from across the city look set to become just another in a line of clubs to win the Premier League, only to be de-throned at the earliest opportunity.