United hope to bounce back
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While champions Manchester City underlined their determination to hold onto the title with a come-from-behind win over Southampton and Chelsea, inspired by new signing Eden Hazard, swept to the top of the table with wins over Wigan and Reading, Alex Ferguson’s United are pointless thanks to their tepid display at Goodison Park.
Ferguson’s side allowed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini to bully them into submission and United offered little in reponse, even when £24 million newboy Robin van Persie came on for his debut in the second half.
United can ill afford to fall six points behind City and Chelsea even at this early stage, but Giggs is confident the Everton defeat will serve as a wake-up call for his teammates.
“It wasn’t a nice feeling to lose the title last season — it never is, but it was the manner in which we lost it which was tough to take,” Giggs said. “I’m sure if we put that much effort in again and get that little bit of luck then we’ll go that extra step. The van Persie signing sends out a big message. And it’s great when a player comes out and says he wants to come to the club as well.”
Ferguson could hand van Persie his first start on Saturday, while Jonny Evans should return from injury to ease United’s defensive injury crisis. If United do see off Fulham at Old Trafford, it will give City’s trip to Liverpool 24 hours later even greater significance.
Meanwhile, Chelsea head into their home clash against Newcastle in buoyant mood after going top of the table for the first time in 21 months. After winning the Champions League and FA Cup double in May, Premier League success is boss Roberto Di Matteo’s top target this season.
Chelsea finished a disappointing sixth place last term and Blues defender Gary Cahill, a scorer in Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Reading, said: “The manager stressed before the Reading game that we haven’t been top of the league for a long time and, although it’s early, it’s nice to be sitting there.”
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