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.
The Glazers have brought severe debt
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? As always, there is plenty of watch live football around as the season reaches a fascinating conclusion.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I genuine think United will spend big this summer. There are making all the noises that they will. Keeper, midfielder and maybe defender.
We’ve got to go for midfield, I see no choice here.
John your right there is no choice, we need to spend big on a keeper that is a guarantee but we also need a well established midfielder to take over from Scholes who i think is certain to retire this summer
Must buy midfielder and goalkeeper in my book. Think we are pretty much ok everywhere else. Forwards are strong. It will, however, be interesting to see how people like Cleverley and Welbeck do when they come back.
Replacement for Scholesy is the most important I think. He will probably retire but even if he doesn’t we need to bring someone in. He hasn’t contributed anywhere near as much this season as he has in years gone by. He’s put in some good performances but the number of appearances has dropped drastically.
I’d be happy with a net spend of about 40 – 50 million. I think it’s badly needed at this point. Lets just hope Fergie get his hands on some cash!
Just a query on the link at the bottom of your post to http://www.livefootball.net. Have any of you guys used this? Do they have their own streams or just link you off to other streaming sites?? Would appreciate any feedback you have on this site as I’m thinking of signing up!
Cheers
there is huge hype about CR coming bak to old trafford…. i dont think man utd will buy him looking t the clubs financial debt altho there is a rumor tht CR desires to come back.we can make out by the return of retired paul scholes…
I dont know how realistic news it is tht the glazers r planning to sell 25% stake… since the markets r so volatile… if the sale news is genuine then it will b very good for man utd… they will b a debt free club firstly… then signing players may be possible..