Manchester United Transfer Speculation

It's hard to believe that the World Cup came and went the way of the Spaniards in but a blink of an eye. It's hard to believe that we are now in pre-season and harder still to believe that despite losing the title to Stamford Bridge, no major player purchase is on the cards save, Smailing and Hernandez (who aren't the typical 300 pound gorilla one would associated with the Red Devils, especially on a rebound).

But let's consider the reality;
1. Alex Ferguson does not like to lose.
2. And each time he has lost the title, he has been nothing short of ruthless in spending on impact players.
3. He has a proven track record in blooding in young players.
4. The darn Americans are still bleeding club money on interest payments.
5. Alex Ferguson does not like to lose.

So, with this in mind, I believe SAF will take the middle road. I think he will wait on the purchase of a hitman after the 30th of July, when Hernandez will don United colors for the first time against his former club. If he does well, Berbatov will win a season's respite. If SAF is unconvinced, the Bulgarian will make way for Edin Dzeko although it will almost surely require some monetary adjustments.

Another option is for Vidic to go, which would make Real Madrid the probable destination unless Benzema digs in his heels and forces a stay at Madrid. A straight swap will suit both teams fine.

This will mean that Macheda will emerge into contention as 3rd choice striker to partner Owen. For Wellbeck, it will probably signal his departure as Rooney, Benzema (or Dzeko) and Hernandez are still young.

Potentially that leaves a hole at centreback, but I think United have enough personnel to weather the storm with the likes of Ferdinand, Evans, Smailing, Evra, the Da Silva twins and Neville. There's also Oliver Gill who's coming along nicely in the reserves team.

Expect the Red Devils to sign a major keeper next season as they focus on the more urgent matter of midfield reinforcements. Up to this point, it's been largely cash free, well, if one ignores the 10 million Euros to be paid if Berbatov is replaced by Dzeko.

So, who will it be? I think if we are making a statement of intent, the midfield player will need to be someone the likes of Kaka (who would probably opt for Chelsea), Sneijder, Schweinsteiger (unlikely) or Xavi (unlikelier).

BUT given the obvious financial distress of the club, I am not so sure that would come to pass. As a mid-term solution, I think someone along the lines of Mahamadou Diarra would be good. He is in the prime of his career at 29, and will buy some time for Paul Pogba and Rodrigo Possebon to reach their potential. Mesut Özil‎ or Stephen Ireland could be longer options, both intelligent players and will not involve breaking the bank.

All the same, in Fergie we trust.

Here's how I think the team could look like:

Anti-Climax to Season May Be a Good Thing

Never say never. 1999 taught us that the real Indominable Lions wear Red and carry pitchforks. Still, it's difficult to see Chelsea dropping 5 points at this point of the season and my hopes aren't exactly stratospheric as far as this weekend's manchester derby is concerned.

It has been a bad 4 games for us and 5 will be difficult to stomach - especially as it may involve my footing the bill for GB's dinner if the Gunners pip us to second place. All that said, I think our so-near-yet-so-far campaign highlights the need for genuine reinforcements for the team.

On the way out will probably be one Dimitar Berbatov, while the grey in the team the likes of Paul Scholes, Michael Owen and Gary Neville may opt for the long walk to the changing room of careers. Throw in the prospect of Owen Hargreaves potentially never playing for United and the picture will resemble a sparse, ageing garden.

So here's where the silver lining appears. It's time for the club to put their money where their mouth is. And I sincerely believe it will be done properly this time.

To start, Van Der Sar has but one season left in him. The 3 candidates most likely to replace the celebrated Dutchman are: Igor Akinfeev, Hugo Lloris or Manuel Neuer. Somehow, I think we will go French given the successes of players like Evra and King Eric himself.

It is however in the centre of the park where we have most concerns. Fletcher may embody the role once played by Roy Keane, but we lack the creative and technical flair that Paul Scholes used to display. The one-for-one replacement is very likely one David Silva and rumors are that we are going up against Real Madrid for his signature.

On both flanks, Valencia and Nani are slowly but surely showing progress. Word from the reserve team suggests that Gabriel Obertan may still have something to offer although I have serious reservations about the gangly winger. If Joe Cole becomes a free agent, I'd say what are we waiting for? Flair like that is hard to come by.

However, it is upfront where I am most concerned. Supposing Berbatov really goes, we are left with young Macheda and unproven Hernandez to partner Rooney. We could bite the bullet and throw in Diouf into the fray, but I suspect we will go for a big name striker. For whatever reason, Benzema looks unlikely to join us. Which leaves us looking for someone big, strong and sharp... enter Edin Dzeko. As much as David Villa and Sergei Aguero excite me, I cannot see us splashing for the 2 titanic players. Yet, the thought of Dzeko partnering Rooney sends tinges down my spine...

Anyway, we may still win the 4th in a trot which would be good for all the glory but may stiffle any major transfer talk in the process. See how la...