United's motivation - the key?

I don't know about you guys but I feel motivation is a huge factor in football, no matter how good technically a player is, it is the motivation which sets apart the good players from the great players. I reckon this is the main reason why RVP decided to leave as he gave it his all without any doubt to Arsenal (37 goals in all comps) but still no reward for his efforts. He has played well in 7 seasons and signed for Arsenal hoping for glory in 2004 just after the Invincible era. I think he was afraid of becoming stale at Arsenal such as the likes of Arshavin, Diaby, Walcott. Seeing his mate Cesc do so well at Barca and Nasri/Clichy winning something means he is doing it for his career...not just for the dollar!

I reckon a lot of our squad have a point to prove this season which will improve our game 10% and hopefully be the difference between failure and success. Last season, I felt complacency was our main enemy and even wrote an article on it. It was proved correct by the Everton and Blackburn games. Losing in the last minute will put fire in their bellies for sure. City were far more motivated imo last season as they hadn't won it before whereas United were complacent towards some opposition.

De Gea - After a shaky first season, will be looking to improve mentally and physically and prove the doubters wrong.

Lindegaard - Will be looking to displace De Gea at any opportunity and prove he is top notch. I love his attitude and desire for the club!

Rafael - Will still be hurting from Everton game and Olympic loss. Will want to secure 1st team spot and prove doubters wrong. Will want to mature/impress for WC2014 Brazil squad

Ferdinand - Many labelling him old and past it and concentrating too much on outside activities. Will want to fight for his future at the club.

Jones - Wants to prove his price-tag worth and improve on his first season. Will want to cut out silly errors (OGs etc) and become more vocal

Vida - Will want to prove his fitness and show doubters that he is still a machine and the top CB in the league.

Evans/Smalling - Will want to break the Rio-Vida CB stranglehold and become more reliable in the big games and stronger mentally & physically

Evra - Will want to prove critics wrong by defending better. Will have less distractions this year after his brother's death and Suarez-gate. Will want to become more reliable again defensively.

Nani - Will want to prove he is a WC star which I think he is! Not everyone in Stretty End agrees though. Yes can be frustrating, but he is a matchwinner and unpredictable (like Balo)

Tony V - Will look to step up his game even more by taking on the iconic no.7 shirt. Will need to start scoring a few more!

Carrick - Scapegoated by many, will want to show he can be dominant in big games and not be outmuscled

Clevz/Ando - Will want to prove the hype around them and stay fit and have a good solid season.

Young - Will want to win back fans this season after his diving antics and poor Euros. He had a great 1st season imo and works extremely hard defensively, underrated aspect of his game.

Scholes & Giggs - Will want to prove that they're not too old and that experience counts. Need to cut out they're dilly-dallying and stupid flicks sometimes. Will offer sound advice through season

Powell - Will want to play around 20 games minimum this season and stake a claim. Reckon he could be our secret weapon this season if he gets enough game time.

Kagawa - Will want to adapt quickly to United and prove he is worthy. Will want to impress his style in the big games especially on United's play.

Rooney - Probably will be less motivated after having a great productive season last year. Hopefully RVP will make him realise he may not be a guaranteed starter!

Welbeck - Will want to fight for his place in the starting line-up and not be dislodged too easily. Wants to be a regular for England too and will want to improve his ruthlessness infront of goal.

Chicha - Will want to again improve his all-round play and prove he is more than a super-sub. Could be another secret weapon after a summers rest.

Finally RVP - Motivated to win his first PL, to justify his transfer and fee and will hopefully be rejuvenated at a club where he is not being fully relied on.

All in all, we have a squad full of players, fighting to improve or retain their reputations. Plus we have Fergie, the most motivated man.

However I urge caution. Let us not declare anything like '20 in the bag' etc as we learnt from last season, we will have egg on our face. We're better as underdogs. City are still favourites (just) but will have added pressure on them. Let's not put pressure on ourselves by declaring anything. I would be more than happy with a poor winning goal by Bebe at Goodison on Monday 1-0. Do not disrespect our opponents, otherwise it will give them an unnecessary motivation!