Another new person to look forward to, at Old Trafford for this summer, is manager Louis van Gaal; he grabbed the position after dragging the team Netherlands to third place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

United strikes Real Madrid and Liverpool on the way to taking home the bacon in the International Champions Cup in pre-season and Owen thinks that the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach has already made a big positive impact at Old Trafford after a frightening season that ended with their lowest finish in the Barclays Premier League.

"Everyone has got their confidence back", Owen said. "He comes across really well on his interviews.

"He's got a real aura about him, and he has found his system. He's had some really good results in pre-season against some big teams, so everyone is really looking forward to the season ahead at Manchester United."

He added: "I'm sure everyone agrees that they will finish higher than last season's seventh and I believe they can be back in the Champions League as well."

"They have just got the one goal to focus on with there being no European football. They could have a good season and also have a kind opening six games, where they could build even more confidence," he continued.

Swansea have then added Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bafetimbi Gomis and Ecuador's Jefferson Montero - Owen thought was "very impressive" in the group stages of the World Cup.

After the exits of Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand from Old Trafford, Owen foresees Wilfried Bony, Swansea's top scorer last term with great 16 Barclays Premier League goals, possibly profiting from United's new look back-line.

"Swansea have got some talented players, so I don't think they will have a problem staying in the league again this year," Owen said. "All eyes will be on Bony to fire them to safety again. His goals last year were really important and he could give United back three a bit of a tough time on Saturday."

He added: "He is the key man for Swansea, throughout the season and in the first game, because if United have a weakness it's in defence. Bony's a big, strong lad and can score goals, which are priceless in the Premier League."

United started the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign with a victory at Swansea and Owen sees Van Gaal beginning his control in similar fashion; thanks in part to the feel-good factor brought about by the newly positioned manager.

"There is a great buzz about the season at United," he said. "There will be a real atmosphere in the stadium. New manager, players will be keen to impress, everyone's fit and raring to go.

He expressed: "So I imagine Manchester United will win relatively easily."

Manchester United's encounter with Swansea City is on Saturday 16^th of August.

(Source: Barclays Premier League official website)