Sure, 29 this year is fine. But we dont have a snowballs chance in hell of winning the league this year. Next year? probably not unless we have a very very different summer than this year.
The year after that? maybe, if we have have made smart transfers. But we will probably need to start looking at replacing the likes of Matic, Alderweireld etc which is why I dislike these short term signings (by a manager who knows he wont be here in the long term). Not the case with the 26 year olds.
So yea Alderweireld will probaly be strong this year, but when in the short term we are so far behind city, well that doesnt mean much to me. But thats just my opinion
I think we do.
Too much negative press and moaning from some of our fans are preventing us from noting a few important things that can tilt the title our way next season.
1. Sanchez. In my head is very much like a brand new signing. It's like we just bought him this Summer. And many have forgotten how good he is.
2. Fred. That lad is going to transform our midfield, I tell you. His vision and ability to dictate play will improve our team significantly.
3. Pereira. Like Sanchez, he is also looking like a brand new purchase who offers top quality to our middle and overall play.
4. Toby. He is coming. I can feel it. One of our major problems last season was our defence. I know people will point to the stats that say otherwise but in modern football, play starts from the back. A ball playing, experienced center back makes a massive difference in a team's overall quality. Also, we lost some very crucial games last season because of defensive mistakes. The FA Cup Final quickly comes to mind. A skilled and experienced defender could have made a big difference? Who knows?
5. Lindelof. This is a strange call but I have a feeling that kid is going to be huge next season. He had a fantastic World Cup and next season will be his second at United which means he has had enough time to adapt. I see him staking his claim in the team. Also, people are worried about our right back position. I'm not. We forget that Lindelof can be excellent cover for the right back. He played right back pretty well for Sweden in the U-21 and last Euro. He also played it a number of times for Benfica and even for us last season.
6. The new coaching staff. Need I say more here. Lukaku, Pereira etc have already spoken about the impact Carrick has been having on them. I think the new coaching crew will make the team play a lot better.
7. For the first time in a while, due primarily to a perceived woeful Summer, United are not rated in the title race. I suspect this will play nicely into our hands.
8. Shaw wants to fight, De Gea is staying, we might be getting a proper right winger to replace Martial, etc.
I know it will be a tough season and we have not had a great Summer but don't write United off.