Why Manchester United and Manchester City are the teams to beat in English Football

After two weeks of English Premier League fixtures, Manchester City and Manchester United are number one and two in the table respectively. Both clubs have looked extremely sharp in the opening weeks and are poised to be front-runners for the Premier League and FA Cup trophies when May comes around. Jumping to conclusions can often backfire, just look at the “football experts” who thought Chelsea would run away with the Premier League last season. Nonetheless, let’s jump, and jump big and far.

But is the idea of either Manchester City and Manchester United winning the Premier League and the FA Cup that far-fetched? Not so much. In fact, it happened last season. Both teams made quality summer signings in the transfer window and are keen on winning the Premier League and FA Cup double. Of the two sides, United are probably the ever so slight favourites because most of them have been there and done that (win the Premier League). But, the addition of Sergio Aguero could really pay off for City, who look in the mood at the moment.

Manchester City’s New Brand of Football

Last season, Roberto Mancini was repeatedly criticized for playing “negative” football and not attacking as much as they should. This season, albeit has only been two games, City look in the attacking mood, after scoring seven goals in their first two Premier League games versus Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers.

The emergence of Edin Dzeko has also been a huge reason why Manchester City are top of the table in 2011-12. The Bosnian international has scored in all three games for City this season. His strength on the ball cannot go unnoticed and has been a great asset for City this season. Will he be favoured to Tevez as long as he is scoring goals? I don’t know if he will, but he surely deserves to be selected in City’s starting XI at the moment.

Manchester United’s New Youth

As for the Red Devils, United’s youngsters stole the spotlight versus Tottenham Hotspur in yesterday’s 3-0 second half romp. Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil  Jones, and Chris Smalling all had magnificent games for United. Welbeck opened the scoring for United with a glancing header following an absolute peach of a cross from Cleverley. United’s second goal was the best of the lot, with a daft flick from Welbeck putting Anderson in on goal, the Brazilian finished comfortably to put the champions up 2-0. Jones, Smalling, and Evans anchored the back four, while captain Patrice Evra was solid as usual.

With United’s young stars set to get valuable experience early on in the season, the Red Devils will get better and better as the season progress. Expect Sir Alex Ferguson to manage his team to another Premier League title in 2011-12, despite some fierce competition from United’s “noisy neighbours.”