Chelsea boss to win title — according to you

Posted Sunday, June 30, 2013 by The Sun

JOSE MOURINHO will romp to the Premier League title — but David Moyes is in for a torrid time at Old Trafford!

That’s the bold verdict of football fans across the country after we conducted a poll into the state of soccer as the new season inches closer.

The extensive survey, conducted by YouGov, quizzed nearly 2,000 people — and came back with some home truths about what supporters think of our national game.

Not surprisingly, most felt top-flight tickets cost too much while many voiced fears over foreign ownership.

We spoke to football fans in all four corners of the nation.

The majority felt that England star Wayne Rooney — whose Manchester United career is in doubt — would be better off staying at Old Trafford.

Yet the most fascinating aspect of the forthcoming season is Chelsea, United and Manchester City — with Manuel Pellegrini — will all be boasting a change in manager.

And Mourinho is the favourite to outshine his rivals.

Asked which of the three managers they think will be the most successful, 52 per cent went for Mourinho, who has gone back to Stamford Bridge after spells with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Chelsea boss to win title — according to you

Only 21 per cent felt Moyes would enjoy the most success of the three bosses.

And those quizzed had even less faith in former Malaga chief Pellegrini as he received just 14 per cent of the backing.

Chelsea are looking to win their first title since 2009-10 — and 34 per cent believed the trophy will be returning to West London.

Only 28 per cent thought United would retain their league crown while, once again, there was a dim view of City’s chances, with only 15 per cent believing Pellegrini can lift the title.

But it was even worse news for Arsenal and Liverpool, with only five per cent of those quizzed believing those clubs will shock English football by winning the Premier League.

Just three per cent felt Andre Villas-Boas has any chance of leading Tottenham to the title.

There was also a negative view of Moyes’ chances of maintaining United’s proud record at the top of English football.

Almost 60 per cent were of the opinion Moyes will struggle to fill the shoes of Alex Ferguson compared with 12 per cent who reckon the new Old Trafford chief will be fine.

The biggest issue surrounding Moyes is whether Rooney stays on board.

A total of 28 per cent reckoned the England star should keep the faith and remain at the club.

Yet 11 per cent insisted Rooney should be playing for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, while eight per cent went for French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea boss to win title — according to you

Chelsea are also interested in Rooney but only four per cent said they would like him to play under Mourinho.

As for watching Premier League football, it seems fans have had enough of paying premium prices.

More than a third — 34 per cent — said they would not want to pay more than £20 to watch their favourite team, while 29 per cent said £30 was the maximum.

Even the bottom team in the Premier League will land a minimum of £60million next season and just 11 per cent said they would be prepared to pay £50 or more for a ticket.

A total of 60 per cent reckoned the Premier League is the best division in the world.

In second place was the Bundesliga in Germany followed by Spain’s La Liga.

Yet 58 per cent thought foreign owners are ruining the game — while only eight per cent were in favour.

There were also strong feelings on the number of overseas players starring in the Premier League.

Many were aware Roy Hodgson’s pool of English players has reduced because of the number of imported stars.

A massive amount — 68 per cent — said there should be a limit on non-British players starting games, with 25 per cent saying there should be no cap.

Yet despite England boss Hodgson having fewer players to choose from, those asked still had faith in the Three Lions qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nearly three-quarters — 74 per cent — thought England will qualify even though they are currently behind leaders

Montenegro in their group.

Yet 20 per cent were less hopeful, expecting Hodgson, Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Co to be nowhere near Rio in 12 months’ time.