A little late on this one but Man Utd have completed a double transfer that really does change them from a team battling for fourth to one which can challenge for the title.
The old adage that matches are won by strikers, titles are won by defence seems relevant here. As we have mentioned often with our own fallibility last season, the midfield is intrinsic to defensive stability, and United have just added two players who are so adept at ball retention, positional awareness and discipline that I can see United's 'weakness' the centre half position having a lot less to do than last season.
Another bonus is that Rooney will be played in a more advanced roll now, which I still believe is by far his best position. He doesn't possess the intelligence to drop deep like Scholes did (to pick a slightly comparable player) but retains, even in fits and starts, that clinical finishing that can see him bag 20 goals a season.
I'd have them almost level with City at the moment (perhaps City's defence is a touch better and Aguero is the best striker in the PL) but ahead of Woolwich.
I am also really looking forward to seeing Schweinstiger in the PL.