What Do Manchester United Have to Do to Retain Their Title Next Season?

The 2012-13 Premier League season saw a return to what most fans of the division have experienced since the reformation of the league in 1992. 

Manchester United have stepped away from the crowd time and time again, proving themselves the unquestionable kings of the English top flight. 

This time around, the Red Devils finished a whopping 11 points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City, winning the title with five games to spare. 

All in all it was a dominant performance that never really looked like falling apart in the same manner as United's campaign had done the previous year—this was thanks mainly in part to the inclusion of Robin van Persie in the starting XI.

RVP's influence and goals were undoubtedly the defining factor in this year's title race, and his acquisition from Arsenal in the summer, beating out rival Manchester City, was what ultimately brought the crown back to the red half of Manchester.

Once again the coming campaign is going to be heavily affected by transfer deals made before the season even begins.

It wouldn't be accurate to say that the title can be won in the offseason, but its certainly true to say it can be lost. Last year Manchester City failed outright to build on the squad that had narrowly escaped with the league title on the final day of the 2011-12 campaign, and it showed. 

The Sky Blues were simply unable to keep up with their neighbors, whose summer transfer policy had given them the edge.

This summer things are drastically different.

With Manchester City already securing the signings of Jesus Navas and Fernandinho, via BBC Sport, the former champions are giving United an early warning of how serious they are about winning back their Premier League crown.

If that wasn't bad enough for the English title holders, they also have to factor in the return of the newly dubbed "Happy One", Jose Mourinho, to Chelsea.

It is no real secret that Jose is a man who loves to splash the cash. Having just arrived at Stamford Bridge a matter of days ago, the rumor mill is already hot blazing with the news that Uruguay and Napoli front man, Edinson Cavani, may make a big-money move to the Europa League Champions.

In truth it is a transfer that makes perfect sense both for Chelsea, who need to find a lethal and world-class striker, and Cavani, who is looking to prove his worth at one of Europe's best clubs.

Just like how van Persie made the difference this year for United, Cavani could propel Chelsea back to the form they once showed during Jose's previous stint at the Bridge.

United already have an incredibly strong base to build around right now, but the fact remains that if they want to keep pace with the likes of Man City and particularly Jose's Chelsea, they will have to make at least one big-name transfer this summer.

More then likely if this does happen, it will come in the form of Borussia Dortmund forward, Robert Lewandowski.

Whilst many fans would argue that Lewandowski isn't a necessary transfer (with a bevy of world-class strikers currently at hand), the fact remains that the Pole is currently one of the best out and out goal scorers in the world right now. 

That, coupled with the current Wayne Rooney situation, makes a move for Lewandowski both an aggressive and conservative one at the same time. 

Even if Rooney does eventually end up staying at the club, he has shown his versatility to drop back into the midfield and let RVP grab the headlines with his goal-scoring ability.

If Rooney could be molded into more of an out and out midfielder, then it would be possible to play RVP, Rooney and Lewandowski in the same starting XI.

A trio of players like this in United's offence would be more than enough to challenge any top side in Europe and would be enough to make sure that neither Chelsea nor City get their hand on United's silverware.

Throwing money at problems in football does not work for the most part. But in this instance United don't have a "problem" with themselves—rather it's the ever-increasing class of their opponents that they need to worry about.

As such, in this case, David Moyes needs to stamp his authority on the United managerial role, and bring in a player, or players, that will ensure that the Red Devils can keep in touch with their fiercest rivals.

It needs to be a busy summer again for United.

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