Robson Expects Chelsea Threat

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson gives his views on the new season in the latest issue of Inside United magazine. The former skipper expects Chelsea and Manchester City to provide the biggest threat in the Barclays Premier League title race this season but still believes the Reds will come out on top…

Which match are you looking forward to most this season, and why?
I think it depends a little on the signings the clubs make but the one I’ve most looked forward to in recent seasons is Manchester City. But I also feel Chelsea could be a real threat to us this year, with Jose Mourinho going back. So the Chelsea and City games are going to be really important to us because whoever wins those types of games is probably going to win the league. Last year, when we beat City at their place 3-2, it was a massive statement and I believe it’s why we went on to win the league quite comfortably.

How do you think the changes at City and Chelsea will impact on the season?
It’s going to be a really interesting season because of the changes at United, Chelsea and City. Arsenal keep saying they have £100m to spend on players but it’s not as easy as that. Which players do you buy? Then you wonder how Liverpool and Spurs might improve – they’re decent sides and will be challenging for European places. I still think we’re the team to beat and if City or Chelsea finish above us, they’ll win the title. That’s pleasing for me.

Who do you think will win the league and why?
I think we’ll win it. I know a lot of fans are concerned because Sir Alex has left but David Moyes is a really good manager and will get the best out of his players. With the squad we have, there’s no reason why we can’t go on and win it again.

Which teams do you think will overachieve or have an impressive season?
Chelsea will be a real threat to us because of Mourinho’s record in the English game. I worry about them a little more than City this year because they have some great players. OK, they haven’t won the league for while but they keep winning trophies and have a desire to achieve. Steve Bruce is a big mate of mine so I’d love to see Hull stay up but it’s always the same: the teams who’ve come up and those who survived last season, like Norwich and Southampton, are going to have a long, hard campaign.

Are you expecting an improved performance from English clubs in the Champions League this year and who do you think will win the competition?
I would like to think so. The last couple of years have been really disappointing as far as the Champions League is concerned. It’s great for our league if our teams are doing well in Europe. We were a bit unfortunate last season but City and Chelsea were poor. Arsenal played a powerful Bayern Munich, who went on to win the tournament. But you don’t want to see other teams in Europe being that dominant over us. So it’s always healthy if the English teams are doing well and hopefully we’ll improve and step up. In terms of winning it, I look at Bayern again: they’re a strong, physical side with some great, young players. And you can never write off Barcelona or Real Madrid, no matter which manager is in charge.

Who do you think will win the FA Cup and the League Cup?
Predictions like this are always hard because you need a bit of luck in cup competitions. After last season, I reckon the League Cup will go back to one of the big teams, rather than a Swansea or a Bradford. So maybe someone like Arsenal, as it’s about time they achieved something in a competition like that. That may surprise some people but after eight years without winning anything, it’s probably their time. For the FA Cup, I’ll pick Man City – but as long as we win the league!