Premiership betting odds have arch-rivals Manchester City as title favorites, but with six league matches this month, a perfect month could see things shifting in United’s favor going into the new year.

Along with their packed Premier League slate, United have a pivotal match at Basel that will decide whether United will be participating in the Champions League or the Europa League come February.

United will be favored to win all of their December fixtures, but will they do so?

Premier League

at Aston Villa, 3 December

Manchester United have dominated Villa in recent history, with Villa’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford being their only win over United in the last 31 league meetings between the two sides. Villa’s last home league win over United was a 3-1 win in August 1995, the result that prompted Alan Hansen’s infamous ‘kids’ jibe.

Villa come into this weekend’s match with only one win in their last six league matches, and they’ve won only three of 13 league matches this season. However, they’ve proven to be quite adept at drawing, as their seven stalemates are the most in the league.

vs. Wolves, 10 December

Along with ending United’s unbeaten streak with a 2-1 win at Molineux in February, Wolves came within moments of a surprise point at Old Trafford last season, but United will be expected to easily dispatch Mick McCarthy’s side at home this time around.

After opening the season with consecutive wins, Wolves have won only once in their last 11 league matches heading into a Sunday six-pointer against Sunderland.

For what it’s worth, Wolves have given up 12 goals in their last five away matches, and the only match in their last 10 to date in which they didn’t allow multiple goals was a 3-1 win over woeful Wigan, so this could be the perfect time for United to have a big day in attack.

at Queens Park Rangers, 18 December

United can’t overlook the first of their back-to-back matches in West London. QPR beat Chelsea at home in October, and City needed a 74th-minute winner to claim a 3-2 win at Loftus Road in early November.

However, United should take care of business in this clash, especially considering that Rangers have been far better on the road. Only one of QPR’s four league wins to date was at home, where they are 1-3-2 ahead of a weekend visit from West Brom.

at Fulham, 21 December

Fulham have been struggling in the Premier League, but this match actually shapes up to be a challenge, given that United are winless in their last three league visits to Craven Cottage, including last season’s 2-2 draw.

But the Cottagers aren’t looking as strong at home as they usually do, as they’ve won only one of six home league ties this season going into a Monday night meeting with Liverpool.

Another potential factor favoring United is how tired Martin Jol’s side could be coming in. This will be their fourth match in less than two weeks, as they visit Swansea on the 10th, host Odense in a Europa League match on the 14th, host Bolton on the 17th, then face United four days later.

vs. Wigan, 26 December

To say that United have dominated Wigan since their entrance into the Premier League would be a major understatement. Along with a 4-0 rout in the 2006 Carling Cup final, United have won all 12 of their Premier League meetings with Wigan, outscoring them 37-4. At home, United are six for six, outscoring the Latics 19-1 in the process. Nine of the 12 wins came by multiple goals, and in the last four matches, United have scored 16 and conceded none.

Wigan needed a late rally to avoid relegation last season, and they look destined for another dance with the drop this season. Roberto Martinez’s side will face Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool at home in December before coming to Old Trafford, and that stretch could toughen them up for the long haul, but United will be expected to deliver another beatdown in this Boxing Day bout.

vs. Blackburn Rovers, 31 December

Last season, United put seven past Blackburn at home, and even if they don’t hit that lucky number this time, another convincing win should be on the cards.

Blackburn did beat Arsenal at home, didn’t go down easy in home defeats to Tottenham and Chelsea, and held City for nearly an hour in a 4-0 home defeat. But away from home, they’ve surrendered three goals in a game five times already, and they’ve allowed 17 goals total in seven away matches to date. Those numbers don’t bode well at all for Blackburn, and United will be expected to inflict more misery on beleaguered boss Steve Kean, if he’s still in his position come New Year’s Eve.

Champions League

at FC Basel, 7 December

Ahead of the group stage, United were expected to qualify easily and top a group that, with Basel, Benfica, and debutants Otelul Galati in it, appeared to be one of the easiest on paper.

However, games and groups aren’t won on paper, and United will head to Switzerland needing to at least draw to qualify for the round of 16, with a group win more than likely out of the equation after being held 2-2 by Benfica at Old Trafford in their last group match.

United are often at their best when dealing with adversity and tense situations, so you’d have to favor them to take care of business and book their place in the last 16. It might not come easy, as Basel are also chasing the same thing and will be confident after their 3-3 draw at Old Trafford in September.

But the presence of Nemanja Vidic, whose only Champions League appearance thus far was a red-shortened one in the away tie against Otelul Galati, should steady a United back line that was shaky in the home draws against Basel and Benfica, and that will be pivotal in United’s quest to progress.

Last year I said:

Contrary to what most people have announced, we do not need any more new signings because ManUtd is already a stronger squad than last season, even after CR7 and Tevez left Old Trafford.
With the arrival of the talented Gabriel Obertan, Michael Owen, who signed on a free and Antonio Valencia’s arrival times certainly look great for the Red Devils.

Although at many times last season our vulnerabilities have been exploited, we must be honest and admit that the squad wasn’t weaker due to the departure of Cryboy and the Gelled Tumbler. What did happen though was that we struggled once more with a huge amount of injuries and these cost us lots. And to be honest, if I see one problem this season it’s in the defensive department again.

There is no doubt that the Twins will continue to grow and get used to the pressure of Champions League and Premier League football and Evans has become a solid defender, worthy to play in the Premier League. But my main worry lies in the centre-back role and Ferdinand’s recovery. Now more than once have I said that our medical department brilliant is and over the years we have seen many a player return better than ever before, even after long periods of injury. But Rio’s case actually does worry me because I think we could have our Ledley King case and we are short in the defensive department when the riding gets rough.

Even though we have signed the highly talented Chris Smalling to replace Rio/Vidic if one of both leaves in a couple of years, it is too early for Smalling-Evans to pair up as a central defensive pair. If Rio’s condition remains doubtful we only have one real cover option with international experience and that is Evans. The next option would be Wes Brown, who hopefully will have more luck and enjoy a less injury plagued season.

While it might be too early for Smalling to really shine in our squad, there is no doubt that we have signed one of the most exciting players to participate to the EPL and Javier Hernandez will arrival on Europe’s football stage will not pass unnoticed. The young Mexican, and one of the revelations at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa scored his first goal in a red shirt against the MLS All Stars during our USA tour and followed this up with another lively display and a goal in Sunday’s 3-1 drubbing of the Rentboys for the Community Shield.

Hernandez will add speed and precision but also a lethal touch to our attack and together with Rooney, Valencia and Nani we certainly will be as fast and probably even more dangerous on the counter as with CR7.

While Chelsea arguably haven’t improved their squad and age continues to be an issue, not to mention saturation and ego of certain players we will continue to love and hate here, our neighbours have continued there spending spree and now will soon have t start selling the international stars whom they paid over the odds for last season. Besides that I think that although they are contenders for fourth spot, maybe even third with Arsenal looking to have a similar squad and every prospect of failing once more in the last two months, Citeh won’t qualify for Europe’s elite this season. With the extra-ordinair man skill manager Roy Hodgson now at Anfield, there is no doubt that the Dippers will be a force to consider again for fourth spot and I predict that they will qualify and Citeh will have to wait another year before they could possibly flavour the taste of silverware or at least qualify for the competition of Europe’s elite, while we clinch our record 19th and knock the Dippers of their perch.

I for one can not wait for the season to start and while there still are many question around who will make our 25 man squad and who will be deemed not fit enough, the Season is about to start and that 19th will be ours at the end of the season. Finally.

But the enthusiasm is not being relegated to fans. Even the members of the team are becoming increasingly optimistic about their chances for a record fourth consecutive championship. And no one is more optimistic than Manchester United Captain Gary Neville, who has been quoted as saying “It is in our hands now and it has not been like that for a while.”

Key to the Red Devils’ success if Wayne Rooney’s amazing run this season. Rooney has been on fire and is ably replacing the void that Cristiano Ronaldo has left. the striker has already scored his 23rd goal this season, which already equals his career best.

Neville wants the Red Devils to maintain their winning form, which is needed now more than ever as they prepare to play AC Milan in the Champions League.

All eyes are now on Nani, who has been playing extremely well in their last few games. If Nani gets his groove, he’ll be a perfect partner to Rooney.

Rooney scored the first goal a mere seven minutes into the game, with a hit on a rebound after Paul Scholes’ long range shot was saved. He would then explode with three goals that he would fire off within the span of less than ten minutes late in the game. The three goals, which came in at the 83rd, 86th and 90th minutes were astonishing and brought the Manchester United faithful to its feet. Rooney’s four goals in the game, his first ever, brings his season total to 20 goals. Rooney’s consistency has brought the Red Devils two points clear at the top of the Premiership League table.

Hopefully, Rooney’s amazing performance this season and the Red Devils enjoying the top spot will be enough to ease the tension in Old Trafford because of the debts the team is suffering from — to the tune of 700 million pounds at present.

After a rather hectic personal week, I can not say that I am not thrilled to be back here, especially with the start of the Premier League 2009-2010 in front of us. Months of waiting have finally come to an end and starting Sunday at 13.30 we will be able to cheer up our favourite Red Devils again in the hope to win an unprecedented fourth Premier League title in a raw.

Other than last Sunday’s disastrous end to the Community Shield our pre-season has been rather psoitive with only one lost game, in Munich.

We have been rather quiet on the transfer market and probably achieved the biggest feat of all Top 4 teams by signing Michael Owen, but also Gabriel Obertan who will miss the start of the Season due to an injury.

CR7 left Old Trafford to join the Galacticos II and Carlos went for the big bucks, and another bench, to the other side of town.

What will the season bring? No one knows. The Top 4 have struggled to sign stars qand then there’s that little trophyless club at the Council House who signed everyone who weren’t allowed to throw everything out of their pram and then cry out loud.
I say nothing will change at the top and the same old 4 will be in the Top 4 at the end of the Season. City will have a new manager by at last February and ManUtd and Chelsea will go down the wire until the bitter end.

The season starts at Old Trafford with a lunch game on Sunday at 13.30. The Red Devils are facing problems with injuries at the back with not only Van de Sar and Vidic out injured, but also Rafael. Both evans and Nani are doubtfull for Sunday’s game.

Our main midfield and attack is fit though and we will have to wait and see how SAF will deploy the attack now Rooney has been promised a more central role, making Berbatov and Owen fight even more for their starting position. In midfield we are almost certain to see Fletcher, Park, Carrick and Valencia start.

Tomorrow I will rewind to last week’s Community Shield game and analyse what we can learn from our performance last Sunday. Next week I will analyse the opposition’s corner. Right now I am thrilled to see the season kick off again!

Do not forget to sign up for our Fantasy League, only hours are left to join and be in the points from the first gameweek! Go to the Official FA Premier League Fantasy site and join our league with the code 906037-185070.

The match didnt work for us from start.United players were all around.Not at all the team who went scoring 16 goals in 4 games.Going 4-5-1 after talking all shits of taking Chelsea.. that was indeed the painful to watch .

Chelsea right from start did look for business.The attack was right on from first minute.While their players masterfully positioning themselves,United standing dumb everywhere.The only man hanging at Chelsea half was Rooney.And that too he finally thought of switching with Giggs after staying alone for hours.He though did come back at center again but it looks like he’s more attracted with wings.
As Chelsea’s mid-field duo,Ballack and Essien kept hitting at United’s wall it was only matter of minutes that we could shatter down.And it looked more certain after Vida recieved a nasty blow from Drogba’s knee.His broken teeth had to surely go in vain as United giving a terrible display after his departure.Hargo was brought in place of Vida and thats when things started to turn wrong for us.Hargo was clumsy at times and never looked to play free.He was constantly pressed by Ballack and Drogba which finally started paying United the price.
Chelsea came with an expected goal in late first half,after Drogba guiding an inch perfect cross to Ballack with he made no mistake passing it through Van De Sar.Fletcher and O’Shea only mere viewers watching how ball was flying over their head.Was a dismay to watch and only realizing how important Vida’s to the team.

Second half i thought would be full of promise and vengeance for the Chelski’ players.We did started with positive tempo in our early periods but then the fuel started to burn out.Chelsea were looking better with the ground and another from blues was expected.But a small mishap provided United what they were looking for.
Ricardo’s back pass slipped into Rooney’s path which he handled with ease and scored United’s only goal.It wasn’t hard earn but a gift from Blues.But Scoring against Cech always make a goal special.Soon after Rooney stroke the ball,his pain with hips became intolerable and got a seat at bench. Fergie’s came of with substitution removing the striker and the best United player(Anderson for O’Shea and Rooney for Ronaldo).

It didnt look at like a plan.He was the only guy who kept one-on-one with Chelsea guys and damn Fergie went on removing him.It was sick to watch but yeah we had to continue.Taking of mid-field and pulling a defense did looked a negative way of ending the game.But the soccer devils didn’t look this as a fair way to tie knots.Chelsea’s pressing continued over United.Minor tackles were seen more option and the frustration of constant counter attacks was cracking United.It was all looking to end up as a draw and i too thought of going to toilet after holding it more than 20 minutes :P (that was hard time for me too).
And as i made myself comfortable to my seat again,i saw Ballack getting easy with penalty spot.Later the replays showed how Carrick’s delicate hands caught the ball and a straight penalty was awarded by linemen.Our men kept debating even EVDS getting a yellow, and still Ballack went on scoring it.Chelsea went up again second time for night and we only watched them dancing all the way.It went on so irritating for us that even our most calmest and coolest guys had to broke.Ferdinand and Hargo both getting a yellow after breaking in a quarrel with Mikel and Party.

The final whistle blew and there was hardly any hand-shakes seen.Ballack scoring two goals was surely a deserving MOM. The game was another misery to our last 5 games.It was same game play what we saw at Nou Camp,the only thing here was that we didn’t even get a point to relish the game.Tough times going with United,same which Arsenal went through and finally broke to rule themselves out of the race.Lets hope the remaining two works well for us..

Other Match Facts:-

Nani:-Trying to be a Ronaldo replica is working for him.Though he does have pace and over raging confidence he still misses a lot what Ronny has built inside him.It was not rocket science for Ronaldo to start scoring goals and free-kicks for long range.He has been working hard for last 3 years with United and thats how he gets over there.Had Nani not been selfish and passed well during counter attacks United could have done better.

Giggs:-I think he has lost it.Well its hard to write cause its coming from a real time Giggs fan.He’s only now a substitute player.He can’t compete with youth anyhow.Fergie should now understand the importance of personal favors to team favors.I cant elaborate more on that.

Its a must win for our remaining two games.The first one facing with Barca stands above all.Winning over here puts us on edge psychologically.Win over Barca and we win both lose against Barca and we lose both.

There are just 8 games to go in the Premiership, and the race for the Man Utd Blog Fantasy League (c/o the official Premier League Fantasy Football League) is hotting up.

Here are the top 10 as it stands today:

1. Govment Chedda: Chris Givens – 1803
2. Lettin on Madrid: Ger Sweeney- 1790
3. Inter Harris: tim harris – 1766
4. FC San Pedro: Tirso Ripoll – 1739
5. besy’s boys: Bea Ripoll – 1701
6. Team No$: robert norris – 1698
7. Sinners: Satya Krishna – 1696
8. Madchester Devils: Mark Saunders – 1694
9. Gerrard likes men: Paul Kennedy – 1658
10. The brother Z’s FC: Ali Abbas – 1645

Remember that the winner will receive $500 cash!! And the runner-up a “mystery prize” after letting us know which is their favourite team.

So login to your team at the Fantasy Premier League and make those last-minute dazzling substitutions that will take you past the winning post in the final straight!!

Tip: with the “big four” playing each other in upcoming games and players likely to be rested for Champions League fixtures, look for the some of the form players from other teams!

A good match in all.A tough one and worth watching.with literally no difference between top 2 leaders you wont let a single point pass.Arsenal too kept there winning record on and they tie on second place with United.Those heavy Newcastle goals helped us out to keep the number one spot difference.

Man of the match: Wayne Rooney                                                                                                  Ronaldo scoring is 23rd  goal(Still the top scorer.)

Enjoy your weekend !!

United However without Van De Sar,Rio and Hargreaves had a good show in Everton game. The game wasnt easy and the win wasn’t lucky at all.The match had lot of tense and action in last 20 minutes which barely Everton could hold on to.Second half performance was a better highlight for both United and Everton. Everton was the best team right now who deserved to beat United but it wasnt to happen.

With 22 minute of dead play United struck the goal from brilliance of Ronaldo.The Portugese collected the ball from Tevez and striked an expection left footed which barely made Tim Howard move.Ronaldo’s 10 goal of premier league which made him level with Arsenal’s Adebayor.

Everton were didnt waste a minute and sprung back in game with Cahill scoring the lone Goal of Toffees after he guided the ball with a brilliant header on Pineaar’s cross.

United came close on many occassions with Ronaldo and Giggsy while Rooney striking the ball just few whiskers above the post.United lost its pace and the tired players had to be finally substituted.Saha was taken of for Carrick while Anderson who also had a brilliant game was taken of for Fletcher.

The match was approaching for another Everton draw and a win looking was way too far from hands of United.Until Giggs made a master act.Giggs was awarded a penalty after he fell inside the box after Pienaar stumbled the welsh by his back leg.

Ronaldo took the spot kick and made no errors to score his second of match fairly making a united win.United take another 3 points from this fixtures as they still hang just one point behind the leaders Arsenal.

A few notes on the game:

All this was in absense of Hargreaves, Rio and VDS. United have now started to cope up the game without big players and this makes Fergie to take more options than ever.But i still wonder if we can do with Ronaldo and Rooney.

Saha Carrick substitution was a stroke of genius by Sir Alex. Sending Fletcher in place of Anderson was another mark for United’s victory.Final 10 minutes were the most vital minutes of the game and yes it did pay well

to sort it out in the final 10 minutes and took off the tiring Anderson. It was a stupid foul by Pienaar, but the boy was impressive in his play. Remember this is his first season too. A very very good player, but this wasn’t his day.

Giggs, Carrick,Rooney and Tevez all of them had brilliant match, though a few misses from all it was quite understood.Defense is becoming rock solid. Vidic ,Brown and Evra had an expection presense in the game.No flaws from each of them

Simpson was the new kid in the block.A couple of mistakes in first half which went on improving as game progressed.He ended with an average performance.A still lot to see from him.John O Shea taken off for second half wasn’t

Everton also had a pretty decent game.They have evolved from last 10 to first 10 teams of premier league.Cahill,Pineaar and Lee Carsley also had great contribution to make this one a trilling encounter.Everton still stays the best opponent at OT till now.

First goal coming a bit early for Fulham to settle on their ground.Ronaldo striking the ball in air as Fulham defense effortlessly left the ball in their goal area from a Ryan Giggs corner.Rooney was back on track.Not one those come back performance but like i said a fair result and so was his comeback.Tevez was a bit unlucky in this match.Missed few of the real time chances like the early ball from Anderson which was headed on sides of the post.Giggs was as usual in his vintage performance no real errors from him.

Defense starting in the same usual way but was replaced substitutions in second half.Evra was taken off in first minute of the second half in place and was replaced by John O’Shea.O’Shea was playing off the position from his normal defensive position.O’Shea worked hard on wings which was finally paid off by Ronaldo.Second goal came from combined efforts of Ronaldo and O’Shea.Ronaldo striking the second goal after O’Shea playing on of the perfect crosses of night.Ronaldo in urge to complete is hat-trick was booked as referee considered him for diving in penalty area.United conquered an easy win at Trafford as they move back to second position.

Hargreaves and Anderson as usual with decent balls and passes.Hagreaves ended playing is last minutes as right defense.This shows the quality of this man.Well can play in any part of ground.Tevez a bit unlucky but hardworking.Ronney with a fine comeback and Ronaldo in sublime form.Ferguson was still fuming this for booking Ronaldo for diving.FA wont think to take any serious actions with this but Ferguson will.I think he still says that he has never been pleased with FA when they don’t penalize refree for wrong decisions. :)

United are sailing on second position as Arsenal(1st) and Liverpool(4th) still having one game in hand .

Man of the Match:Cristiano Ronaldo

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand (Carrick 75), Vidic, Evra (O’Shea 46), Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs, Tevez, Rooney (Saha 71).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Fletcher.

Booked: Vidic, Ronaldo.

Goals: Ronaldo 10, 58