Chelsea’s Terry questions Manchester United’s Rio, Ronaldo and Co’s ability to keep going?

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey reacts to John Terry’s claims that it is United who have peaked, not his Chelsea side, and wonders whether he is right?

John Terry has warned Man United that his Chelsea side have their sights firmly set on the Premier League title this year, claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson’s United squad have peaked.

After the best Premier League season in history last year, expectations are obviously very high for the 2008/09 season, and it is good to see the two title challengers already baiting each other.

“Ferguson realises we weren't too far away from them at the very top of their game,” Terry said, as reported in The Times.
“I don't think they've got another level to go to. They've had a lot of players in their team who have hit the peak of their form in the last two years. Rio has been awesome in the last two years. Ronaldo's been unbelievable – I don't think we'll ever see that again.”

And he is right? Ronaldo is unlikely to hit those incredible heights again, especially after his summer soap opera and injury.
United will be without the winger for the opening few weeks of the season and also Wayne Rooney and Jung Si Park to name but two more.
Last year it was Chelsea who suffered from a horrendous injury list; something that Terry says affected their final positions but will act as an incentive to improve.

“With the injuries and stuff at our place, we as players can all raise the bar a little bit,” he said.
“ With us missing out by two points in the Premiership and in the Champions League, I think they know that, every year, we're going to give them a good run for their money.
“We've been very close to them, we've had injuries, changes of manager. I think we can close the gap. Hopefully if we can keep players fit early on, and around the Christmas period as well, we'll do well.”

Is Terry right – have United peaked? Will this be Chelsea’s year to regain the Premier League crown?
How will Ronaldo fair after the summer he has had?

An average European Championships was the least of his worries after he failed to finalise his dream move to Madrid.
How focused will he be on events in Manchester this season? After all, he has won the double – will he and his team mates still have the hunger for more?
The first few weeks of the season will be intriguing. Can Scolari adapt to the Premier League quickly enough to keep pace with the front runners? Will United’s injury list mean they start slowly?

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