Manchester United mean business and are in with a Premier League title shout, says Jimmy Bullard

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: United now have one of the best midfields in the league and teams will be adapting their style of play to try and combat that, writes Jimmy Bullard

Morgan Schneiderlin, Louis van Gaal, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian (Getty Images)

There's no doubt about it – Manchester United are splashing the cash and are giving themselves a very good chance of a title shot this season. Players like Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger are exactly the sort of signings that are going to take you to the next level. They are all top-drawer players and will make a massive difference to the side.

Schweinsteiger has been there, seen it and done it and has won everything he can in the game. Schneiderlin has been absolutely great for Southampton and United have done well to beat off competition from Arsenal to get the boy in. Depay is still young but so powerful and he has got the ability to be world class.

They have also got the lad Matteo Darmian in from Torino, who will improve the team defensively. He can play on both sides, is very solid and will also provide an attacking threat too. United mean business this season and they’ll definitely be challenging for the title.

They now have one of the best midfields in the league and teams will be adapting their style of play to try and combat that. It will be interesting to see how Louis Van Gaal reacts to that and makes sure he is getting the best out of his players. United’s midfield is class, but for me City are still strongest in that area – Yaya Toure and David Silva have proved year after year how important they are to the team and would walk into any Premier League side.

For me, United still need a top quality centre half. They have been linked with Sergio Ramos and if they could get someone like him, that would really be the icing on the cake. They probably need a bit more strength in depth too and will obviously need to replace Robin van Persie now that he has gone to Fenerbache.

I was a bit surprised United got rid of him to be honest. He had a few injury problems last season but when he’s fit and on form, he is one of the best strikers around. He is always likely to nick you a goal and win you a game out of nothing. They also decided against going for Falcao but I reckon Jose Mourinho will get the best out of him and I’m convinced he will bang in the goals for Chelsea.

For me, Chelsea’s squad, and the experience within it, means they are still favourites for the title at the moment, but United will be snapping at their heels all the way.

Jimmy Bullard writes a weekly transfer column for The Independent (Carling)

Jimmy Bullard has teamed up with Carling as part of their Shirt Amnesty, giving fans the opportunity to exchange their shirt with the name of a recently sold player, with a new one. Follow all of the action @Carling on Twitter.