What Lies Ahead for Manchester United?

I am shocked, to say the least, with the way the summer transfers have panned out.The amount of money being spent is bordering on the insane, and players' choices also defy all reason.

That Cristiano Ronaldo was going to leave Manchester United was a given. It was always a question of "if," not "when." But, when I read that Madrid had made an unconditional bid of 80 million pounds for him, I was as excited as I was shocked. The one thing I cannot understand is why United fans are steeped in gloom.It's almost as if United have been relegated!

United moved quickly to secure the services of the talented Luis Valencia, who is an able if not like-for-like replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Perhaps more surprisingly, Fergie has signed Owen on a free. Owen himself recognizes that Fergie is taking a punt on him, but as far as gambles go, this could prove to be at the very least, one that does not cost United too much.

Like most United fans, I would have wanted a marquee signing holding up the cherished No. 7 shirt. Say, a Karim Benzema. But, as Benzema himself has revealed, he turned down United to join Madrid.

That a 21 year old talent, eager to establish himself on the world stage, chooses a club, renowned for being impatient with their young talent in the past, acknowledged for being run like a circus, speaks volumes on the kind of advice a footballer receives nowadays.

Well,good luck, Karim! You are gonna need all the luck you can get, and more to make it at such a young age at Madrid!

Manchester United have won the league title three years in a row. During the same time, United have also been to one Champions League semifinal,and two finals, of which they have won one.

United have also won the Club World Championship and a Carling Cup. But, everyday I read about players not "preferring" United. Well, with all due respect, b***ocks!

United have always, and will move on. Maybe this year may not be as successful as the previous few, but make no mistake about it, United will not be out of the reckoning, not by any stretch of imagination,and certainly not with that wily old Fox guiding us...Cheers! Bring on the season.