THE dawn of a new Barclays Premier League season finds Sir Alex Ferguson in bullish form.

The astonishing conclusion to last season's title chase, when rivals City pinched the league from their grasp in the closing seconds, has left the Manchester United manager with a point to prove. If the 70-year-old had been contemplating retirement when his side seemed on course for a 13th Premier League title then the late intervention of Edin Dzeko and then Sergio Aguero – the pair scoring injury time goals to give City a first championship in 44 years – would have caused those plans to be shelved. When Sir Alex finally calls it a day, chances are it will be on his terms and with another medal around his neck.

After a quiet window, relatively speaking, United's capture of Robin van Persie was a clear indication of their intentions this year. They had already splurged £17m to take Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, a talent who should light up English football, but the transfer of van Persie was more significant. This was a marquee signing, a proven star familiar to an English audience and one who had been willing to leave a rival club to move to United. Most importantly, however, it was a player that City wanted too. This was a triumph for Ferguson in more ways than one as he tries to build a team capable of staying the pace with Roberto Mancini's cast of thousands. If some were starting to view United as City's inferiors, then this was a clear sign that playing at Old Trafford still holds greater appeal.

If van Persie's signing was a statement from United, then Ferguson added one of his own as well, believing the arrival of the Dutchman means he now has an array of attacking options to rival his forward line of 1999. Those were the days when he could partner Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole in attack, then call Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from the bench as he did in the Champions League final when United completed a memorable treble. It wasn't a coincidence that Ferguson alighted on that year for comparison as he talked up the current attacking roster of van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Wellbeck, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov.

"You look at the squad United have got and to now add van Persie to that will only make them stronger," was the view of Kevin Gallacher, the former Scotland striker now an analyst on the Premier League for radio and television. "Van Persie is a terrific player and it's another example of Sir Alex pulling something out of the hat. There was a lot of talk last year that he lost Samir Nasri to City by dilly-dallying so he's made sure he's got his man this time around.

"It should allow Rooney to drop into the No.10 position which many people think is his best role. Van Persie should weigh in with his share of goals which will take the pressure of Wayne and the two of them should combine well together.

"I'm sure Sir Alex won't be finished there. He had a stroke of luck getting Paul Scholes back after losing Anderson and Darren Fletcher to injury last year but Scholes and Ryan Giggs are both a bit older now so I'm sure he'll be looking to strengthen the midfield area as well if he can."

All eyes are now on City. A bloated squad needs trimming but Jack Rodwell has been prised from Everton for around £12m and, with a title to defend and a desire to excel in the Champions League, Mancini may spend again.

"I'm sure they are always looking to get new faces in but City already have a deep squad more than capable of getting them through the season," added Gallacher. "He was able to put out two different teams last year – one for the league, and one for the cups which was just as good. It's just about tidying things up and keeping a freshness about the place."

It is hard to envisage the Premier League trophy being removed from Manchester. Chelsea, who have made some intriguing signings in Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar, may be best placed to challenge to that stronghold, while it will be interesting to see what Arsene Wenger decides to do with the money banked for van Persie. Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Norwich and Swansea are all taking tentative steps under new managers; Gallacher is eagerly anticipating the season ahead.

"I'm looking forward to seeing it all. Sergio Aguero came in and made a big impact last year and it will be interesting to see which of the new players can do the same this year. I'm sure other teams will look to put in a challenge. Chelsea have made some good signings and will be strong again, and Arsenal should be top four again. Will Arsene spend the van Persie money or will he go for younger options again that might take a few years to come to fruition? Then you look at Brendan Rodgers coming at Liverpool. How quickly can he make a difference? It will be a new experience for City trying to defend the Premier League title. When I was at Blackburn the season after we won the title was twice as hard as everyone wanted to beat the champions."