One of the first things you are ever taught about football once you start playing competitive matches is to play to the whistle - it sounds pretty basic doesn't it. The referee blows his whistle to start play and blows again to stop play, if you don't hear it, well, guess what...keep playing except of course if you're Manchester United!

The annual curtain raiser at Wembley between Chelsea and United was exactly what I wanted to see - two very good teams, shaking off ring rust and going at one another in an effort to lay down the first marker of the campaign. Yes, its early doors but I think we learnt a number of things about the respective clubs.

Other than the glaring 'playing-to-the-whistle' which won't happen again this season if Sir Alex Ferguson has anything to do with it, United didn't have that extra punch in the post Cristiano Ronaldo era. Nani who had a few good moments looks like a cheap, lightweight replacement that still needs to evolve into a consistent Premiership performer.

The pace of the Red Devils was also a concern of mine whenever Dimitar Berbatov got hold of the ball. With Ronaldo they were a team of fliers however the Bulgarian constantly wanted to slow the game down to his speed and I don't believe that suits his teammates. Don't get me wrong, his touch on the ball is dreamy while his vision is almost clairvoyant but he screams a Juan Sebastian Veron purchase. It took far too long for SAF to swallow his pride with the Argentinean and there is a danger he'll do the same with this 30 million pound purchase. Of course, Berbatov could come good but at what price to the style of a team that has made its name with swashbuckling football.

I think we also saw the need for United to have a decent back-up goalkeeper as Ben Foster looked unsure of himself and his surroundings. Perhaps it was the watching eyes of England boss, Fabio Capello that had the youngster fluffing his lines however you'd certainly want to see more confidence on such a large stage.

The plus points for the current Premiership champions in my mind was the consistency and industry of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher along with the fire of Wayne Rooney in a rousing first half display which makes their disappearance in the 2^nd period all the more puzzling. So in conclusion plenty for SAF to ponder post match as he deflected any problems in his team in the general direction of referee, Chris Foy.

On the other side of the coin, Chelsea finally won a penalty shootout and over the course of the match it was a deserved victory. I really like the fact that new boss, Carlo Ancelotti had a 'plan b' after his side were outplayed in the opening stanza's. Introducing Jose Bosingwa was just the tactical change that was seemingly beyond Filipe Scolari last season.

On the other flank, Ashley Cole, who I'll admit to not being a fan of was largely excellent and if he can combine his attacking endeavors with more consistent defending, I'll be forced to revise my opinion. One player who I always think is quality is Ricardo Carvalho and the match sponsors agreed with that perspective by making him man-of-the-match. If his head is in London and not Milan, the Blues will have the best defensive four in the Premiership and they'll need it as the one concern has to be the continued inconsistency of Petr Cech. To let Nani's long range effort in was poor but to then turnaround and produce stunning back-to-back saves leaves me wondering how long Ancelotti will remain patient.

The character and bottle installed by Guus Hiddink still courses through the team and that was epitomized by Frank Lampard who not only took his goal superbly but stayed ice cool from twelve yards. I think that Lampard is going to have a massive year as he goes head-to-head with Steven Gerrard for the title of England's best attacking midfielder. Throw in a happy Didier Drogba and you have the makings of a team that I believe will once again challenge on all fronts.

In conclusion Manchester United and Chelsea served up a tasty appetizer before we get down to the real business of the Premiership and UEFA Champions League and in the process they sure whetted my whistle!

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.