Prem Preview: Man United

Say what you like about a new dawn at Chelsea, a resurgent Liverpool or the noisy neighbours at Manchester City.

But champs Manchester United remain the team to beat and go into the campaign with the kind of feel-good factor they have not had for a good few years.

Anyone who saw their youthful side turn in a dazzling Community Shield showing on Sunday would see why Alex Ferguson's men are favourites for a 20th league title in May.

United were far from convincing at times last season - they gave their rivals a genuine chance in the race for the top.

They started slowly - as they often do - and their away form remained poor throughout.

Then there were the Wembley disappointments against City and Barcelona in the final two months.

With several of their stalwarts reaching the end of the line, some believed it could be the end of an era at Old Trafford.

It still could be - but maybe not in the way many of their critics were hoping.

United go into the season with renewed optimism despite saying goodbye to some old favourites.

Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar have brought the curtain down on their outstanding careers.

John O'Shea and Wes Brown, who played 753 United games between them, have also been moved on with Fergie looking to shake things up again.

Rarely does the Scot look to make changes like for like but his £50.3million summer spree looks like money well spent.

The £16.5m swoop for Blackburn defender Phil Jones will prove to be an astute piece of business.

In Jones, 19, and Chris Smalling, 21, he could well have England's long-term defensive pairing - so Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic know the pressure will be on them.

Behind them, David de Gea made a shaky debut at Wembley but is tipped to be Spain's No 1 keeper.

Even if he struggles to adapt, United feel they have a capable deputy in Anders Lindegaard.

Ashley Young, who at 26 was United's elder statesman at the end of Sunday's game, will add pace and movement.

While big things are also expected of widemen Antonio Valencia and Nani this term.

In Tom Cleverley, 21, they may have the long-term successor to Scholes.

The middle of the park is the area where United could still come up short, which is why their pursuit of Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder is intriguing.

Wayne Rooney is due a big season and his partnership with Javier Hernandez, who hit 20 goals in his first season in England, should prosper again.

It may be out with the old and in with the new but the growing feeling is the kids are all right.

The average age of the team which finished on Sunday was just over 22 - and if that is not enough reason for optimism, here is another.

United have high hopes about players coming out of the FA Youth Cup-winning team, notably Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba.

You win nothing with kids? Don't bet on it.