Gone will be the figure of Sir Alex Ferguson, who dominated throughout his time in charge at Old Trafford. Instead the Premier League will have new faces, and some old in different positions. Roberto Martinez may be in at Everton, whose former coach David Moyes will be at United. Chelsea may have Jose Mourinho back, whilst there should be a new face in Manchester for the blue half of the city, with Manuel Pellegrini set to join.
So the question must be whether this will help Arsenal and Tottenham, who are both set for a summer of stability. Arsene Wenger has a year left on his contract and there is a feeling that this is a make or break summer and subsequent season for Arsenal after another disappointing campaign. Another year without a trophy with his contract coming to an end could lead to the end of the reign of the now longest serving Premier League manager.
But nonetheless, Arsenal are set for a summer of rebuilding. They have plenty of money, and for once they are not set to lose their best player. Mainly because no one is really sure who that is anyway. Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere seem the obvious answers, but neither wants to leave, and Theo Walcott agreed a new contract at the start of the year.
Tottenham too will benefit. Of course one of these sides will miss out on the Champions League but both will be stable and looking to make an impact on the Premier League. They have both been on a par with Chelsea and not far behind Manchester City. Who knows what the impact will be of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Manchester United. It seems that there is a lot to be unsure about at the start of next season, but this is why Arsenal and Tottenham should be optimistic. Stability is the key – that’s why Manchester United have been so successful. Both North London sides are well run financially and have excellent managers. They could also hold onto their best players this summer. Arsenal have shown in recent years that losing your best players is the key cause of instability the following season. Not having a summer of turmoil is vital when it comes to making a fast start the following season with a squad who know each other well.
It is also important to have a big squad that can be rotated well. Manchester United have shown over the years how rotation is vital to winning. Keeping players fresh is what has been one of the less regarded secrets of Ferguson’s success, but that will be another thing that will determine next season’s champions. But the Premier League title race promises to be closer, tighter and involving more teams than ever before. Next year could herald the rise of North London.
