Post Ronaldo Signing: What Now for Manchester United!?

Yes, you see no CR7 in the photo above. The Ronaldo-Era has ended. Accompanied by the exit of Carlos Tevez (32x2, extra energy).

WHAT IT MEANS TO THE FANS?

There was something about that boy Ronaldo, that people only felt extreme emotions for him. He was the most hated and the most loved player.

A random fact exemplifies my point; Google reported the phrase "I hate Cristiano Ronaldo" the most searched phrase under the "Hate" category, whereas, Cristiano Ronaldo's fan page on Facebook has over 3 million followers, only second to the 44th United States President Barack Obama. 

I am a hardcore Ronaldo fan myself and the news of him departing from OT (Old Trafford) really turned my life around. It was like something drastic happened in my life and I am sure other Ronaldo fans are equally disappointed.

I mean we all know, Ronaldo has been an electrifying entertainer in the Premier League for four years. On occasion you would see him sulking, but lets not take credit away from him. He is an elite and for sure will be one of the greatest of all time (if you don't consider him the one of the greatest already).

The fans will miss the majestic step over'er (probably not a word), insane goal scorer and that cocky attitude he wore all the time. Good Luck Ron. We will miss you. 

NOW WHAT?

Moving on, the future of Manchester United? United remain the second richest club in the world and not to forget the mammoth amount they will receive for the wonder boy CR7.

Another bad news for United would be the departure of Carlos Tevez. Suddenly, there is a huge void created in the United line up. Two of the "Fab Four" are gone. And Giggs and Scholes are approaching the dawn of their amazing respective careers.  So how many players should be signed? And which positions should be they signed for?

Many names have been mentioned in the media but nothing stands for sure. I would say about 1-2 big names and 3-4 not so big but talented players. The most dire need remains of fast, skilled and creative wingers.

With Rooney's position remaining a mystery (ineffective on the wing), there is also a need for world class striker. We can't depend too much on Berbatov, whereas Welback and Macheda still need time to grow. Lets take a look at the names being buzzed around:

1. Antonio Valencia ( Wigan Athletic, Winger) 

Fast, creative, good ball control, decent skills, deserves much better than Wigan. If rumor has it, he is a certain signing for summer '09. I feel that he's a good player but to fill Ronaldo's enormous boots will be quite a task for him. He will be a good signing as long as someone better than him is signed too.

2. Karim Benzema (Lyon, Striker) 

Young, dynamic striker, a real hot property, well worthy of the United shirt. He has been on Sir Alex's radar for quite some time now. I feel he is quick and will be a superstar very soon.

He needs to be at a club like Manchester United where he is competing with and for the simply the best. He has scored some screamers but his best is yet to come. I hope his best comes at OT.

3. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich, Winger + Attacking Midfielder) 

Needs no introduction. Already a superstar. Long shots, skills, pace, vision, experience, he's got it all. But another probable Real Madrid signing. If you want to fill the space created by Ronaldo's exit, fill it with the Frenchmen, problem solved.

Though he might take some time to get used to the English Game, he is one of the best in the World and he is number one on most fan's wish list. The only problem is that Real Madrid might sign him with the help of Zidane (his "godfather").

4. David Silva (Valencia C.F., Winger + Midfielder + Supporting Striker)

The next big thing. This young man is the future of Spanish football. He has the caliber, the skills and the character to be the worlds best in the near future. But, same ole' problem; The Real influence.

I feel Silva should be chased with all the might United has. If he can be signed along with Benzema or Ribery, United will be as strong as ever. He's a gem.

5. Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid, Striker)

This young Argentine has impressed the world of football. His recent comparison to Lio Messi speaks volumes about his talent and ability. He has practically won all young player awards. There is something about this guy which makes me feel that he would be a perfect fit at United.

I can totally see him wearing a United jersey, scoring goals. The last Atletico Madrid player Manchester United failed to sign was Fernando Torres (which I knew would be a revelation). I hope they can sign this young lad.   

6. Ashley Young (Aston Villa, Winger)

I am personally very excited about this one. I admire him a lot for his "jumpy" way of running at defenders with the ball. He is a very swift and agile player. He too is very skilled and very very promising. His crosses are beautiful and he has scored some very crucial goals for Aston Villa. He would make a great Red Devil.

7. Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona, Striker)

Again, very exciting. As rumors suggest, Eto'o might leave Barcelona and come to England. The reasons remain unknown but if he does, I hope United get him!

He has proved himself over the years and has scored bags full of goals. It is believed that right now Manchester City and Manchester United have placed bids for the Cameroonian forward.

8. Douglas Costa (Gremio, Attacking Midfielder)

He is being hailed as "the next Ronaldinho." He is a free kick specialist with a great vision and raw football talent. Promising young man. A prospect for the future.

9. Nilmar' (Internacional, Striker)

Young, promising, delivers the punch. This Brazilian can dazzle you, but he is not the fix for Ronaldo and Tevez.

10. The Dutchmen - Wesley Sneijder, Klaas Huntelaar, Arjen Robben, Ruud van nistelrooy

With Kaká and Ronaldo in the squad, and large sums of money spent, Real Madrid are looking to offload the Nederlands national team. I mean why not shop at Madrid? Sneijder still remains an amazing player with great precision, vision and skills.

Huntelaar another Dutch prodigy, who was United's target a few seasons ago. Robben is a familiar name for the Premier League followers, very creative, very fast, quality winger.

And our old Nistlerooy. I used to love him when he was at Old Trafford. He is unstoppable when he comes down to business. I know it seems far fetched but maybe just maybe United sign him? Wouldn't that be just great? Just a wishful thought nothing serious.

WHAT ABOUT ROONEY?

Don't worry, he is going nowhere. But there has been recent debate about the position he should play. Will he go back to being a striker or stick to the wing? I strongly feel that Sir Alex should sort of build the team around Rooney. He is a true team player.

His passes are pinpoint, his shots are outrageous (like his temper), he is a true fighter and has played a huge role in United's recent success(s). I think Rooney should play in the midfield along side Carrick and/or Hargreaves.

Rooney has the ability to control a game and turn it on its head (refer to the 5-2 victory over Spurs, Rooney was involved in all 5 goals). I really hope he plays a more central position next season because we need him to play the role of Lampard (at Chelsea) and Gerrard (at Liverpool).

THE TITLE? WHAT ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?

Very tough to say. With Barcelona looking unstoppable, a whole new Real Madrid, the strengthening Chelsea, Liverpool coming out stronger than ever, Arsenal looking to bring back the Golden days and other clubs like Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City (the Sheiks Money power), Manchester United dominating as they have for the past two years is going to very hard but not impossible.

We are entering a new age of extremely competitive football. Ronaldo and Tevez made huge impacts on the success of United (Ronaldo of course the bigger one). It is going to be really hard for Sir Alex to form a whole new team and get back to Trophy Winning ways.

I just hope he signs few of the above mentioned names despite the extremely weak financial situation due to debts (700 million pounds). I wish the best for United. 

Have a great Summer.

Till next time!