Thanks to Sir Alex Fergusson, Man United have the striking firepower the win the premiership

Dream duo: Van Persie and Rooney will score plenty this term

The one thing clear from Sir Alex Ferguson’s recent ­autobiography is that man-management and control were the cornerstones of his achievement. That and four good strikers in a squad.

Sir Alex was as attuned to tactical sophistication as any self-respecting coaching badge holder.

But when pursuing success on multiple fronts, he had basic rules. And one of the most important was having a quartet of high-quality forwards to choose from.

The man-management part came in keeping them happy – but the theory behind it was hardly out of left field.

Then again, managerial giants are rarely ­unpredictable or ­dangerously radical in their approach.

Brian Clough believed that having the most ­accomplished goalkeeper possible was of pre-eminent importance. That is why he signed Peter Shilton for £250,000 – a huge fee for a keeper in 1977.

Bob Paisley’s priority was a supremely organised defence. In winning the First Division in 1978/79, his team conceded just 16 goals in 42 matches.

Jose Mourinho – not that we are quite calling him a great yet – seemed to agree with Paisley. His title-winning side of 2004/05 conceded just 15 goals.

Something different: Danny Welbeck offers creativity and quick feet

Brendon Thorne

Technical nuances ­developed on the training ground might be vital but the fundamentals remain constant.

Mauricio Pochettino is making a major impact, but one of the most impressive qualities in his Southampton team is its fitness, its ­relentless closing-down of the opposition. Newcastle’s prospects this season will rely on goalkeeper Tim Krul more than any other player.

And as far as David Moyes is concerned, his fortunes will be tied to the health of his four strikers.

There have been ­suggestions that Ferguson suspected his team had peaked . But in keeping a group containing Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, he has left a gift for Moyes.

The new boss has yet to enjoy it – of the top five, only Southampton have scored fewer goals while eighth-placed Manchester City have scored 10 more – but he will.

The presence of Rooney, Van Persie, Hernandez and Welbeck – presuming his knee issues abate relatively quickly – is why, even from fifth position, United should be favourites to collect a 14th Premier League title.

Poacher supreme: Chicharito is another great option for United

Reuters

In the 13 seasons United have finished ahead of the rest, they have been top after 11 games only four times.

At this stage of the triumphant campaign of 2002/03, United were eight points behind leaders Liverpool. It was the same in 2008/09, and on two other occasions they have come from five in arrears to collect.

Outstanding attacking options have always been the key to success in the Premier League. This season, ­Liverpool’s front two are dynamic, Spurs should have choices, Chelsea hope for the vintage of Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o to return.

Arsenal won’t win the title if Nicklas ­Bendtner is No.2 in their striking hierarchy . Despite sitting eighth, Manchester City’s rich attacking options make them the most likely to depose United.

But history, and Fergie’s basic attacking legacy, mean that - for all the upheaval of the first three months - this season should still belong to Manchester United.