United would be lucky to finish third

English Premier League champions Manchester United take on Wigan as the favourites in the new season curtain-raiser, the FA Community Shield, on Sunday, which should potentially be David Moyes’ maiden trophy in his coaching career.The real test, however, will come in the following two weekends when United visit Swansea City and host Chelsea in two matches that will give us a glimpse into Moyes’ ability to step into Sir Alex Ferguson’s big shoes.With Sir Alex Ferguson gone, many bookers don’t consider Man United as title favourites. Much was said about the great Scot’s ability to keep The Red Devils afloat even at their weakest times and yet, under Moyes, all that we have are speculations.These speculations are based on Moyes’ 11-year track record at Everton where he won nothing and, thus, nothing much is provided as a serious insight into what might become of the forthcoming season at Old Trafford.For now, Moyes has failed to lure his transfer targets and unless a realistically world class player is added, United is well fixed behind Manchester City and Chelsea on squad by squad analysis.Even so, Wayne Rooney’s future and fitness are not guaranteed. The champions, who at some point looked to be cruising, are suddenly turning into a confused club unable to control its destiny.On the other hand, its rivals are moving swiftly, strengthening their fortresses further with both domestic and European title challenges in sight.Yet at the back of my mind, I know Manchester United will always be just that, a club that grinds results out of nothing, a club that will always fight for the title even when their squad isn’t as good as the opponents’.Therefore, the United fans better be praying that the red DNA didn’t leave with Fergusson; otherwise, third place could be the most realistically attainable target in Moyes’ first season.In Chelsea and Manchester City, the English Premier League boasts two star-studded teams that will have a lot to offer in terms of football prowess, and with the return of Jose Mourinho, the league is going to be even juicier.Chelsea has always cut the figure as the sleeping giant of Europe. For long they have had the players to mount a title challenge and yet, every halfway, they begin to crumble.The Special One is well-known for tickling giants back to life – like he did at Inter Milan – his return could be just what the Blues needed.Red hot title favourites Man City are owned by mega-rich Qatari investors, who believe in the notion that money can buy everything including trophies.On top of Aguero, Edin Dzeko, new manager Emmanuel Pelligrin has added the likes of Stevan Jovetic, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Fenandhino to his squad.Battle for fourth position won’t change much it seems. Between the two London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham one is likely to suffer Champions League heartbreak and endure participation in the lower Europa League.Spurs look much improved with the addition of Roberto Soldado and Paulinho, while Arsenal remain much more the same. Although history has always been on their side, Arsenal better make a quality addition to their squad or pray that Gareth Bale leaves Tottenham.