10 QUESTIONS: MANCHESTER UNITED

James Robson, Manchester Evening News correspondent

AJ_United from Redcafe.net forum

How do you assess the first few games of this season?

United are well placed in the League and have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stages. But by their own high standards they have looked ordinary. There is still plenty to be done if they are to make it four titles on the run.

It was disappointing to lose to Chelsea and Liverpool, but at least we've got our two most difficult fixtures out of the way. Our performances haven't been the best, but we have shown the sign of champions, most notably at home against Arsenal and Man City.

Who's impressed so far?

Wayne Rooney started the season very impressively and Darren Fletcher is a crucial figure in Sir Alex's system. For me Patrice Evra is still the best left back in Europe and has been superb again.

Wayne Rooney. With seven goals in 11 games, he appears to have stepped his game up since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Your assessment of the 2008/09 season?

United won the three trophies and reached the Champions League final and the FA Cup semi's. Yet supporters would tell you they rarely hit the heights of the previous year. Still, they were good enough to hold off Liverpool and I believe they could have won the Champions League if Fletcher or Owen Hargreaves had been available.

Losing in the fashion we did to Barcelona in the Champions League final did leave a bitter taste, but I was overjoyed to win our record-equalling 18th Premier League title. It was also great to win the Carling Cup and reach the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Without Ronaldo, United look ordinary. They are too reliant on Rooney and too predictable to play against. They haven't replaced Ronaldo and probably need to in January if they are to win the league or Champions League.

We are less lethal, but are more of a team unit. Whoever plays at right-back is now required to do that little bit extra to support the midfield and strikers.

Your best signing of the summer?

Antonio Valencia is showing signs, but still looks a bit one-dimensional, while Gabriel Obertan has looked promising. But they are still in need of players of that quality to give the squad the extra dimension it is lacking.

I think Obertan will turn out to be our best signing. He has speed, skill and a great touch. He could turn out to be a bargain at £3million.

Who's got something to prove?

Dimitar Berbatov. While he has looked sharper this season than last, he hardly looks like a £30m player. Comparing him to Cantona was always going to be unfair, but he simply doesn't have a big enough impact in the games that matter.

Our very own Ryan Babel; Nani. He has the talent but doesn't seem to know how to use it. With it being reported that we have made previous attempts to sign David Silva, this could be his last season if he doesn't improve.

Your likely tactics?

At times United have gone 4-4-2 with Giggs rolling back the years on the left wing - but against Chelsea they played with Giggs and Valencia behind Rooney. Both have their merits and Giggs is pivotal either playing through the middle or out wide.

We often play 4-3-3 against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but with Obertan & Ji-Sung Park returning from injury I expect us to go with the traditional 4-4-2.

Which Everton player do you fear?

Tim Cahill is a class act - without doubt one of the best goal scoring midfielders in the Premier League. And United know all about Louis Saha. If not for his injury problems he could have had a great career at Old Trafford.

Usually Tim Cahill, but on this occasion it's Louis Saha. He has scored some cracking goals this season and is on fire at the moment.

Predicted scoreline?

1-0 United.

2-1. Everton have been a tough team to beat in recent meetings.

Your predicted finish this season? 

Top two. Right now I'd say Chelsea have the edge, but with one or two signings in January and the return of Hargreaves, I believe United could make it four in a row.

Champions. Got to stay optimistic!