The United manager is unlikely to carry out a major overhaul in a season that also brought a third successive title, the Club World Cup and Carling Cup - but he will be aware of what is necessary to take his side to the summit of Europe once again.
Although there are unlikely to be many changes at Old Trafford this summer, question marks remain over a number of the squad, who came so close to making history.
Have the old guard produced their final stand? How good are the latest generation of starlets? And what of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez?
JAMES ROBSON looks at 16 players who could be occupying Ferguson's thoughts this summer.
Paul Scholes
Serious knee injuries and an eye condition have taken their toll on the former England international. Pushed down the pecking order to such an extent that he started on the bench in the Champions League final even with Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves unavailable. Stoke are weighing up the prospect of offering him a player/coaching role, but Ferguson has already stated his intention to give Scholes a place in his backroom staff.
Prediction: Retire at the end of next season
Ryan Giggs
The PFA Player of the Year looked a shadow of himself in Rome, but it was a rare blip in what was an outstanding season for the veteran. Ferguson has got the best out of him by playing him in central midfield and picking and choosing his appearances. Likely to be used even more sparingly next season with Owen Hargreaves expected to return after surgery to both knees, as well as possible new additions during the summer.
Prediction: Still more miles in the tank
Gary Neville
Left out of the squad entirely for the Champions League final and it is difficult to see him getting many opportunities next season, with the England international now fourth in the pecking order at right back. Wes Brown and Rafael da Silva will battle it out for that role next term, with John O'Shea also in the mix. Neville was handed a one-year contract extension, but that will have had more to do with his influence in the dressing room rather than on the pitch.
Prediction: A year on the fringes before joining the backroom staff
Dimitar Berbatov
The Bulgarian's first-year report card will simply read: Could do better. That Ferguson has had to spend so much of the season defending the club record £30.75m signing says everything about how disappointing he has been. Yes he has a wonderful touch and vision - but he has failed to make an impact in the biggest games, and was left out of the starting XIs for the Champions League semi-finals and final. Ferguson won't cash in Berbatov - largely because he wouldn't have a hope of recouping his massive outlay on the former Tottenham striker - but he must find a way to get the best out of him.
Prediction: Staying - but only because United would struggle to find any takers
Carlos Tevez
The Argentine has had two tremendously successful years at Old Trafford, but it would probably best for all parties if the Champions League final proved to be his last appearance for United. His price tag - which would see United having to spend another £25.5m - remains totally prohibitive, especially if Ferguson wants to strengthen other areas of the team. Rarely used in the biggest games, it is clear Ferguson does not see him in his strongest XI. If he goes it would give the United manager the opportunity to firm up his long-term interest in Lyon's Karim Benzema.
Prediction: Going
Cristiano Ronaldo
Having looked for most of the season like this would be his last at Old Trafford, the Portuguese international has made noises in recent weeks that he's ready to put his flirtations with Real Madrid on hold. The Spanish giants appeared to have turned their attentions to Franck Ribery and Kaka - but, with Bernabeu president-elect Florentino Perez's latest comments about his desire to land Ronaldo, the saga is far from over. Failed to reach the heights of last season, but still produced an outstanding campaign - particularly in the latter stages of the Champions League. Ferguson would still be loathe to lose the World Player of the Year, who will be pivotal to his plans of conquering Europe again.
Prediction: Staying - for now
Edwin van der Sar
The Dutchman has enjoyed a record-breaking season - and the 14 consecutive clean sheets he kept in the Premier League proved the most telling part of United's third successive title success. Has one year left on his contract and has already been told he will no longer be the automatic first choice next season. Most likely to provide experienced cover for Ben Foster next term before calling an end to his glittering career.
Prediction: Will give up his No1 shirt in his final season
Tomasz Kuszczak
The Pole has seen himself slip down the pecking order for club and country. Foster was preferred in both the Carling Cup final and FA Cup semi- final, signalling the end of Kuszczak's United career. Unlikely to be happy as third choice, so will probably look to move on in the summer. Already revealed he plans clear-the-air talks with Ferguson over his future - and is unlikely to receive the assurances he is looking for.
Prediction: Going
Darron Gibson
The Irishman has announced himself with some impressive performances in his breakthrough season at Old Trafford, playing in the Carling Cup final and FA Cup semi final. But he is likely to find opportunities limited again next term, especially with Hargreaves set to return from injury. Will once again have to make do with only sparing appearances in the cup competitions.
Prediction: A season on the fringes
Ben Foster
Made great strides this season and will expect to be first choice for United as he bids to win a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad next summer. Only missed out on a place on the bench in Rome because of a thumb injury. Ferguson has described him as the future for both club and country - but such words will sound hollow if he continues to play understudy to Van der Sar. Will seriously question his future if he is not handed the No1 shirt at the start of next season.
Prediction: Set to become No 1 for club and country
Danny Welbeck
Announced himself in stunning fashion with that debut strike against Stoke - even if he was overshadowed by Macheda's heroics at the end of the season. Ferguson has described him as a future England international and potentially a part of Capello's World Cup squad. Has the chance to build on his reputation at the Under-21 European Championships this summer - and if Tevez is allowed to leave, could find himself with more first-team opportunities next season.
Prediction: Will build on an impressive Under-21 European Championships
Federico Macheda
The Italian will forever be judged by that stunning strike against Aston Villa that proved so pivotal to United's title success. Another goal against Sunderland was almost as important - and he will hope for more opportunities to impress next season. Like Welbeck, his immediate future could depend on Tevez's situation, but he looks a genuine long-term prospect.
Prediction: More fireworks from the bench
Nani
Suffered one of the worst cases of "second season syndrome" imaginable. A player that has the ability to infuriate or electrify - he has been mainly guilty of the former this season. Made only 13 Premier League appearances and the January signing of Zoran Tosic provides a clear and present threat to the Portuguese international on the left. In his defence, he is a predominantly right-footed player and might have more joy if played on his stronger side. Unfortunately for him there is the small matter of Ronaldo occupying that berth.
Prediction: Could be struggling to save his United career
Anderson
Ferguson has heaped glowing praise on the Brazilian, describing him as anything from the next Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes to potentially the best player in the world. Truth is, he has only occasionally looked like any of those things and United will look for him to stamp his authority in midfield next season. The Champions League final was a marker of how much he has to improve if he is to be considered in the class of Andres Iniesta or Xavi. Aged 21, he still has youth on his side and Ferguson will expect further progress next season.
Prediction: Plenty more to come from the Brazilian
Frazier Campbell
Spent the season out on loan at Tottenham and impressed in spells. Has the Under-21 European Championships to put himself in the shop window, with opportunities at United likely to be limited following the emergence of Welbeck and Macheda.
Prediction: Going
Park Ji-Sung
Enjoyed his best season yet at Old Trafford and a place in the Champions League final was just reward for his consistency and work-rate. Made the left side of midfield his own this season, but that is unlikely to be the case next term with Tosic expected to take up the left wing berth.
Prediction: Ultimate squad man, still has much to offer
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Stoke & Bolton are after Scholes but I can't bear the thought of Ginge fizzing a 40 yarder out to Rory Delap!!! His choice seems to be staying and playing even less but finishing his carear as a one club man at
United or if he goes he'll get 40 games but it's going to be an almighty come down, especially if the club he goes to ends up fighting relegation.
Only Ginge knows if he's good enough to cope with 40 games anymore and he won't get the space he's been used to at United.
If you're not going to retire then stay on at United for your last season Ginge.
Ryan Giggs
No longer able to cut it with the best can’t take corners lost his pace never been a prolific scorer. if he want to keep playing should find another club.
Prediction: Should have retired three years ago
Gary Neville
Was Finished a long time ago the modern game requires a lot more than Neville could ever offer.
Prediction: Should call it a day
Dimitar Berbatov
Berbatov has struggled to understand the tactics at United is a quality player however VDS has been unable to give him as much of the ball as Robinson did with a different manager he would shine
Prediction: Practice penalties
Carlos Tevez
Another player to suffer from United and Fergies tactics the signing of Berbatov effected him, just like Veron effected Scholes
Prediction: Going Going gone
Cristiano Ronaldo
Best player in the world bar none like many others like Nani and Anderson shone a lot more when Carlos was here,
Prediction: Play your own game and ignore the bad mouthing press
Edwin van der Sar
Most overrated keeper at UNITED week on crosses can’t punch the ball distribution poor Foster should have been number 1
Prediction: Call it day
Tomasz Kuszczak
He could end up like Howard has to move to another club before people can see his worth, Forlan Pique Rossi managed to do very well
Prediction: Fergie will shed you without a tear
Darron Gibson
Done well when he has played if he can keep that going he should get more games
Prediction: A season on the fringes
Ben Foster
As soon as he is fit he should be in goal for club and country
Prediction: Set to become No 1 for club and country
Danny Welbeck
Done well should have got the penalty against Everton quite tricky needs more big games to tell
Prediction: Will build on an impressive Under-21 European Championships with Campbell
Federico Macheda
Hero for me we have him to thank for the title along with Ronaldo.
Prediction: More fireworks from the bench
Nani
If we had anew manager he would show his class.
Prediction: Could be struggling to save his United career FERGIE has his favourites
Anderson
Future star
Prediction: Plenty more to come from the Brazilian
Frazier Campbell
He looks the part but He will be used to raise money, perhaps another mistake for Fergie
Prediction: Going
Park Ji-Sung
Enjoyed his best season yet at Old Trafford and a place in the Champions League final was just reward for his consistency and work-rate. Made the left side of midfield his own this season, but that is unlikely to be the case next term with Tosic expected to take up the left wing berth.
Prediction: Ultimate squad man, still has much to offer
To free up some cash, I'd sell Gibson, Park, Carrick, KK and Campbell. And possibly Ronaldo, too (not ideal, clearly, but circumstances may dictate).
Keep Nani (he's still got loads of talent).
Keep Berb. Don't buy Tevez. Play Rooney as a forward again.
Signings depend on who's available (and wants to come). Can't see Ribery or Kaka wanting to come. Besides, I'm not sure so-called 'galacticos' are really the way to go.
Top notch central midfielder (to partner with Super Fletch) would be massive, plus a CF with a bit of pace. And even t&c's obsession with a left-sided defender has a fair degree of merit.
And a progressive, attack-minded first team coach (despite what certain punters on here have claimed, as Barca have showed - twice in four years - it IS possible to win the CL playing ATTACKING football).
Scholes, retire. Brown, sold. Nev, retire. Giggs, one more year. Ronny, move to striker. Tevez, gone. Simpson, sold. Kit Kat, sold. In, Valencia and Downing.
Valencia, Fletch, Hargreaves and Downing with Ronny and Roo up front could hold there own with any team. The twins, Rio, Vidic, Evans and Evra give us a formidable defence but the key next year will be all about pace. Some of our kids will have to be loaned out and we will have to get more out of Carrick, Anderson and Berbie. All are talented, we just need to see it in action on a more regular basis. No chance of getting Gourcoff but the French striker is a possibility. This would mean Ronny going back on the wing but an additional winger is a must.
agree 100% on berbatov. only reason he might stay is cuz no one will even pay half the money fergie paid for him.
nani should go and so should campbell. what i dont understand is fergie turned down a 7m offer for campbell from hull last season but sold ROSSI & PIQUE for the same amount!? QS should be asked.
anderson needs more games along with macheda.
in possebon we have a midfielder who could be good as pirlo, xavi, and alonso, but everyone seems forget abouit him. he has more talent then gibson. he needs to play more games in first team.
Agree with most of them except Ronaldo he should stay and so should Tevez but i dont think Tevez will stay ! unfortunately
Giggs, Scholsey and Neville i think its time !
Paul Scholes: Fantasticplayer as he has been is no longer good enough at the top level and should either retire or go to Stoke. Prediction will go.
Ryan Giggs: Fantasticplayer as he has been is no longer good enough at the top level and should retire. Prediction will stay and play the same next year but even less frequently.
Gary Neville: Fantasticplayer as he has been is no longer good enough at the top level and should retire. Prediction we won't see him again in a United shirt in the premier league.
Dimitar Berbatov: Should stay and make his mark next year alongside Rooney. Prediction: Staying and will be a good player.
Carlos Tevez: No real place for him, United should buy him and trade him on for a good attacking central midfielder. Prediction: Going
Cristiano Ronaldo: Still a great player and we should definately do everything to keep him. Prediction: Staying and will have another great year.
Edwin van der Sar: Still the best goalkeepr we have. Prediction: Will give up his No1 shirt in his final season
Tomasz Kuszczak: Not good enough. Prediction: Going to another premiership club probably a promoted team.
Darron Gibson: Not really good enough. Prediction: A season on the fringes
Ben Foster: Still not as good as VDS but should be given his chance. Prediction: Set to become No 1 for club and country
Danny Welbeck: Not good enough. Prediction: Will flirt with full team again and then fade out.
Federico Macheda: If given a chance on a consitent basis may be good enough. Prediction: Won't get enough chances maybe more fireworks from the bench but will not make it at United.
Nani: Not good enough. Prediction: Will go back to Europe to play.
Anderson: Not good enough. Prediction: United will buy an attacking midfielder and Carrick, Fletcher and A.N Other will displace Anderson.
Frazier Campbell: Not good enough. Prediction: Going maybe to Hull or a promoted team.
Park Ji-Sung: Not good enough. Prediction: SAF will stick with him and we'll see more inept performances but sell shirts in Asia. He will continue to be voted MOM even when crap by millions of his countrymen.
Manucho: Not good enough. Prediction: Going
Out: all non-creative players like:
- Fletcher (played a lot of games becouse he's one of SAF mates from Scotland and in my opinion only why, allways overrated and without CPU on the pitch)
- Carrick (very slow CPU on the pitch)
- Schools (nervous grandpa)
-Kuszczak (poor and shaky)
and only one creative
- Ronaldo (85 mln reasons)
In:(my wishfull thinging)
- Kaka!!!
- Benzema
- Essien
- Silva (from Valencia)
- Ribbery
more Barcelona style - less Everton style!
More da Silva brothers less G. Neville
more Gibbson's less Fletcher's-type players
more creative, smart players less only runners
SAF let's us fell wind of change!
No need to panic - remember we went the whole season without Brown , hargreaves and Neville (who could have been used to rest regular first teamers)and have some wonderfully talented reserves and juniors. Seems ironic that we'll get rid of Tevez and keep Berbatov but that seems fairly clear now. We only really need a new Keane and we'll be as strong, if not stronger, and younger than the rest.
Gordon
What we need more than anything is a big strong lad who scores goals week in week out. The sort of striker that will always get you an important goal and will provide the Cantona effect, or the Roy Keane effect namely oozing the win ethic that simply refuses to allow any team to beat us. A central striker with aerial presence and good old fashioned shooting boots - I guess a 6 feet 2 inch Wayne Rooney would be perfect. Anybody know where we can pick one up cheap ?
Leave it to Fergie.He has done brilliant this year as Tommy Cooper,nearly pulling it off with his last trick against the Houdinis of Barca.So don't judge him too harshly. I think the question is.Are all these players bandied about any good, or worth the money that is going to change hands with all these billionaires getting into the game. Ronaldo is not worth 80 big uns but don't tell Real.
For someone like Hughes to build a team from nothing you are talking at least 20 for goalkeeper and each back 4. 30 for each mid field,and 40/50 for each striker. &3/400 million, then you get injuries and you are playing your kids,or old fellas.
Someone told me, someone who worked at an academy said the problem is they get kids who are not good enough for the premiership,but good enough for the championship,and lower leagues. still good careers and their parents throw a wobbler, and take them away. So there is a small number of stars and the rest that are left are no good,because all the ones who could have been late developers, or misjudged have gone.
With the exception of overly negative comments about Berbatov, it's hard to disagree with Robson's verdicts.
My first-choice team for next season would be; (4-3-3) Foster, Brown, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov.
In a 4-4-2, my front six would be; Tosic, Fletcher, Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov. Particularly harsh on Nani and Anderson though.
I would be happy with VdS as No 1 next season but he is not the future and Foster needs to be given his opportunity. If Hargreaves comes back as good as he once was, he will obviously be pushing for a regular spot but he's got to prove himself and his fitness. For next season, I would like also to see Berbatov operate more as a traditonal number 9.
i think we need another strike the class of cantona
Would love to see Tevez stay but 25.5m is too much. Nani hasnt lived up to his billing and is infuriating to watch at times but i think he will thrive, a la Diego Forlan, at another club if hes a regular starter. No way will we recoup what was paid though. I have doubts over Ben Foster being handed the no 1 jersey this year, hes clearly a very good keeper but not sure if he truly is world class, time will tell.
berbatov should go, carrick go, anderson go, tevez stay, ronaldo if he wants to go, sell for plenty, to cover the loss on berbatov, get players with skill and heart, heads up, play players, in the positions that is best, for that player, not out of position, it was a disgrace, in the final, play to win, play for the club, played to honour sir matt, well he would not thought much of that, everybody said, we did not turn up, well they might have been better,going to the beach, topping up the tan, for all the effort, they made, sick and fed up man utd fan.
Hmm, this article would have a little bit of credance if the author could spell united players names correctly and if he knew which players were returning from loan and would therefore be on SAF's mind.
Park, a complete and utter waste of space. Please go, you simply aren't fit to wear the red shirt.
I agree with most of the summary of players. Anderson for instance is a player who burst on the scene and I liked his attacking from midfield with the ball in his first season but has that been coached out of him as he has become a player like Fletcher, negative with little creativity. Is Rafael a good enough defender, if the answer is yes then he must play as his attacking qualities are superb. even Eckersley is a better option than O'Shea. The biggest question for me, is the coaching staff good enough. It was there first full year but to me fitness and overall play was far down on the previous season. It is well known that you play as well as you train so the question is is the training up to scratch.
And here's my wish list for these players:
Paul Scholes - transfer to another club in lower division.
Ryan Giggs - put to graze, he's got all his records now and his good games are too sporadic
Gary Nevile - slot him in a coaching job
Dimitar Berbatov - give him one more season to prove himself
Carlos Tevez - sign him up for the £25m or he'll end up at Liverpool
Cristiano Ronaldo - send him packing to Real and replace him with two from Benzema, Ribery or Pato
Edwin Van der Sar - relegate him to No. 2 keeper
Tomas Kusczack - off-load him to whoever
Darron Gibson - one for the future, give him more playing time
Ben Foster - promote him to No. 1 keeper
Danny Wellbeck - one for the future, needs more playing time
Frederico Macheda - loan him out for a quicker apprenticeship
Nani - should establish hmself in first team if given more playing time
Anderson - United's top midfield star for the future
Frazier-Campbell - sell/loan him out
Park Ji-Sung - he's First XI material
While last summers £30million signing sat on the bench and Ferdinand & Vidic played so nervously last Wednesday night, Barcelona's new signing Gerald Pique looked imperious!
Too slow for United, eh? Remind me, how much did Fergie give him away for? And what would he cost now?
So, still trust Fergie to make the right decisions this summer eh?
t&c, your point on spelling would have a little more credence if you spelt the word 'credence' correctly.
why do people think berbatov will improve next season??
he's not young or getting any younger? he will be even slower next season.
by keeping him another season will mean we will get nothing back for the 32m we spent.
@ Red Lou. Have you ever heard of that great gift of grammar called punctuation? It would make your post far less painful to read. Hyphens seem to constitute your only concession to the idea that everything is simply one long, unending sentence. Try periods next time - they're those little things that look like a dot at the end of every one else's sentences.
Alias, I agree re Berbatov. For a manager as astute as Fergie, he does have this baffling habit of buying players with seemingly no consistent idea (or should that be consistently effective idea) of how he wants to use them.
Ps Even Berbatov himself (in an interview pre-Rome) has referenced that, at Utd, he's not being played in his 'normal' position.
Pps Despite the hysterical media reaction to Utd losing a game of football, bar the midfield, there's actually not too much wrong with the squad.
Mark, South Manchester - yes Pique had a good game but I still think Fergie made the right choice. I have watched several Barcelona league games this season and a couple of things stand out. They have been alomost untouchable this season and their supreme ball retention means that their defence is rarely tested or put under pressure. Jury is very much still out on him for me but Rossi, now there's a mistake, a big one!