Manchester United: 5 Biggest Summer Objectives for Club

Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t have dreamed of being in such a luxurious position with only a month and a half left of the season.

Manchester United currently possess a 15-point advantage over their closest rivals, who just so happen to be the champions, Manchester City, and with only a handful of tricky games left to encounter they look certain to claim the 20^th league title in their history.

They have done it in style, too, currently on course to set a new record points total, eclipsing Chelsea’s tally of 95 which was amassed in the 2004-2005 campaign.

But for Ferguson, this is simply par for the course. The Scot will already be planning United’s siege for glory next year, and having controversially been eliminated from Europe against Real Madrid earlier this month, will be looking to avenge this injustice by claiming his third Champions League medal next May.

Here are five summer objectives for Manchester United that they must complete in order to remain on top in the Premier League and continue to progress in Europe.

Keep Wayne Rooney

After Sir Alex Ferguson decided to start Wayne Rooney on the bench against Madrid in March, rumors immediately began to circulate that the striker would soon be on his way out of Old Trafford.

In the days after his omission, the Red Devils faithful began to back their manager and started to contemplate life without Rooney.

Names like Robert Lewandowski, Rademel Falcao and Neymar were all linked with United, but none of those would be a worthy replacement for the Scouser.

Despite not living up to his vast potential, Rooney is still United’s talisman, and it would be a huge mistake to let someone with his experience and skill leave the club.

But I think Sir Alex already knows that. 

Sign Cristiano Ronaldo

It’s not too much to ask, is it? Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford has been touted ever since he graced the pitch in Northern Manchester earlier in March.

Clearly emotional, it was obvious to all who watched the game that the Portuguese star has a special place in his heart for Ferguson and United.

His current season with Madrid has been tempestuous to say the least, and if Ronaldo were to ever leave the Spanish giants he would only head in one direction: northern England.

Ronaldo’s addition to United’s roster would immediately turn them into, maybe, the most feared outfit in European football, and you can bet your bottom dollar that there wouldn’t be a breaking-in period.

He’d just carry on from where he left off. 

Allow Players to Rest

Being a footballer for Manchester United can be exhausting.

Not only do you play over 50 games a season, but you then have to follow this up with either World Cup or European Championship encounters too.

That’s why any break in schedule needs to be taken advantage of, and this summer is one of the rare occasions when the international calendar has cleared an opening for players to relax.

Only Shinji Kagawa, David De Gea, Javier Hernandez, Anderson and Rafael will possibly feature in the tournament, leaving the rest of the squad time to recharge its batteries.

Sort out Defense and Keeper

United’s porous defence has somewhat recovered after an incredibly shaky start over the opening six months.

David De Gea has taken command of the No. 1 spot, whilst the return of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand to full fitness has coincided with the rise in form of both Jonny Evans and Rafael.

Even Patrice Evra has impressed this season, adding a goal-scoring element to his performances that had been absent in previous campaigns.

Ferguson will already know whether or not he needs to improve on his backline, and it will be interesting to see if he decides to spruce up in those areas.

Continue to Build/Show City How It’s Done

It’s easy to say it now, but there has been an arrogance to Manchester City this season that has proven to be extremely detrimental to their efforts.

They have failed to show the form that took to them their first Premier League title, and lackadaisical performances have seen them drop points to the likes of Southampton, QPR, Sunderland and West Ham.

Ferguson will, as he usually does, look to build on his success by challenging his players to repeat their achievements.

He will also constantly remind them of their defeat to Madrid, in hopes that it will spur them on in Europe next season.