United have enjoyed another great season on the pitch and the Premiership Trophy looks to be the very least that the side will receive as a reward for their efforts in 2010-11. Off the pitch however, the prognosis for the future isn`t quite so encouraging after the Glazers announced record losses in March.
A loss of £109m seems an unbelievable figure and one that many outsiders feel is unsustainable. Unlike the previous season, United didn`t have the sizeable figure of £80m coming in from Cristiano Ronaldo`s transfer and there doesn`t look to be anyone in the squad capable of securing a similar fee. So what are the implications of those figures for Sir Alex Ferguson?
The main consideration with regards to personnel is the imminent retirement of Edwin van der Saar and Ferguson will be all too aware of the problems that he faced when Peter Schmeichel left the club over ten years ago. In an attempt to avoid of a repeat of those years when a revolving door policy saw several keepers come and go, Sir Alex and his scouts will have watched several goalkeepers this season.
If United are to buy a Pepe Reina, a David De Gea, a Maarten Stekelenburg or a Manuel Neuer then any one of those players will command a high transfer fee. A new keeper is simply a priority and funds will be needed for this and any other purchases that the club needs to make.
Sir Alex may be told that he has to sell before he can buy but with no funds coming for Van der Saar`s departure, some of the fringe outfield players will have to go. The most likely candidate seems to be Dimitar Berbatov which seems an incredible statement considering that the Bulgarian is set to finish the season as the Premiership`s leading scorer.
However, Berbatov is not first choice and is expected to return to the bench when Wayne Rooney comes back from suspension. As anyone knows, the Bulgarian is never happy when he isn`t involved and if Carlos Tevez overtakes him in the race for the Golden Boot while he sits on the bench then he could well be on his way.
Ferguson may feel that with Rooney and Hernandez and maybe Macheda coming back, he doesn`t need to replace Berbatov so any money coming in from that sale could fund Van der Saar`s replacement in goal.
Elsewhere, United are linked with a whole host of players including Gareth Bale and Charlie Adam but will the money be there to go after them? So far, there doesn`t seem to be any word from the Glazers as to what, if anything will be made available. Traditionally there are never any wholesale changes at Old Trafford and the success this season would suggest that this summer won`t be any different.
On the pitch, Manchester United continue to battle on three fronts and their progression in the Champions League and FA Cup would provide more funds that could be used for players if Sir Alex needs it. Will United go on to win the Premiership and secure a double or even a treble this season?
Submitted by Glory Glory Man Utd
