From established world stars to virtual unknowns, the string of names being linked to the Reds is ever-growing and as the transfer embargo lifts later this month, the guessing game is set to peak long before United report back for pre-season training in late June.
A second season of failure in the Premiership seems certain to spark a reaction in the transfer market but with chief executive David Gill announcing United must sell before they buy, Sir Alex will reluctantly be contemplating such a move.
So who comes, and who goes?
With Roy Carroll unlikely to be on the United playing staff at the start of next season following the collapse of contract talks, and fingers regularly pointed at American signing Tim Howard, it would seem no surprise if a goalkeeper topped the priority list.
Impressive
The names going into the hat vary. They range from Inter Milan's 33-year-old Italian veteran Francesco Toldo, to Sweden's Andreas Isaksson, 10 years his junior and currently playing with French club Rennes, but a keeper closer to home looks favourite to attract attention with Sir Alex said to be ready to make a move for England first choice Paul Robinson, while Norwich's Richard Green could become available should the Canaries get relegated.
Fergie could make an offer of cash, plus Spanish international Ricardo, for Robinson, but would that be enough to persuade Tottenham Hotspur to strike a deal? They will be in no hurry to part with the player they signed from Leeds United a year ago as Arsenal and United looked on.
Robinson has already proved his strengths at top level after edging Manchester City keeper David James out of England's starting line-up and giving some impressive performances in World Cup qualifying games.
Southampton's Finnish star Antti Niemi is another Premiership star linked with United, but the player who was rated one of the best shot-stoppers in the game a season ago, has slipped down the rankings since losing his place in Harry Redknapp's side. He must be rated an outsider.
Not so PSV Eindhoven's Brazilian ace Heurelho de Silva Gomes. He is thought to be among the favourites after some impressive performances which helped PSV clinch their domestic title last week and reach the semi-final of the Champions League.
Gomes has all the right credentials. He is only 24, and has done well in Holland after more than 50 senior appearances with Brazilian side Cruzeiro.
Caution
Another keeper, Belgian international Silvio Proto could have closed the door on a possible move to Old Trafford by revealing his ambitions perhaps lie on a smaller stage than the Theatre of Dreams.
Told he was being monitored by United, the La Louviere star, whose side sits ninth in its domestic league, said: "It's flattering but I would personally prefer a move to a top Belgian team."
Morgan de Sanctis from Serie A side Udinese, has other ideas after catching the attention of United's European scouts. The 28-year-old is understood to have declared his keenness to switch to the Premiership, but after the Massimo Taibi experience of six years ago, caution may prove the keyword for United. Sir Alex has used 10 keepers since Peter Schmeichel stepped down in 1999, hoping to discover a player capable of maintaining an extended run in the side, but the United boss insists he is not setting his standards too high.
"Peter was rated by most people as the best goalkeeper ever, so if that is the case, why should we go and look for another Schmeichel? They just don't fall off trees. Schmeichel was an incredible goalkeeper. He had everything right. Speed, a physical presence, courage, he had everything but we haven't replaced Best, Charlton, Law, we haven't replaced Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, you don't get replacements," he said.
Price tag
Finding a player to bridge the gap which will be left when Roy Keane finally stands down is certain to prove another problem for Sir Alex, who could turn his attention to Olympique Lyon star Michael Essien this summer.
Frustratingly the Ghanaian powerhouse came close to joining the Reds as a teenager, but after trials at Old Trafford, doubts arose he would not be granted to a work permit and he moved on to France.
Now it will take around '18m to prise him away from Lyon, which United cannot afford.
United have also been linked with one of Essien's midfield partners Florent Malouda as well as Bordeaux's Antonio Mavuba.
Mavuba is rated the best young prospect in France, but fancies a switch to Serie A. He is the son of a former Zaire international and was born on a boat in the Atlantic when his parents were fleeing the civil war in Angola.
Spanish midfielder Ivan de la Pena has also attracted attention from Old Trafford, but chances of signing the Espanyol star look slim. The 29-year-old who moved from Barcelona to Lazio for '11m four years ago, and had a spell with Celtic before moving back to Spain, does not fall into the age bracket Sir Alex uses when bringing in outfield players.
De la Pena hails from Santander, home of Racing whose midfield star Mario Regueiro has also been linked to United, along with Seville defender Sergio Ramos Garcia who certainly fits the bill age-wise. The right back is just 19 years old.
After recently admitting his surprise at the lack of goals his strikers have scored, , Sir Alex reacted angrily at suggestions he might sell his regular top scorer: "It is absolute nonsense that we would try to tout European clubs to sell Ruud van Nistelrooy, absolute nonsense," he said.
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Everybody keeps mentioning the need for a new goalkeeper to replace Carroll, a defender to replace Silvestre (or is it Neville?) and a midfielder to replace Keane (or Scholes, or Giggs). What about TWO strikers to replace Saha and Smith. One is always injured and the other was never a striker in the first place. And what about a replacement for Sir Alex, by the way?
i think United sing Antti Niemi. He is very good. And in midfield we should buy PSV star Mark van Bommel. he can replace keane place very well,he is good tackling and in the air. he defenses, attack well and he can score thats is very important..
im sorry by my english
So many players to chose from or is there? Robinson is a 'safe pair of hands' for the goalkeeping position, alternatively a certain Sebastian Frey would be a good option. In the midfield, what about Joey Barton (as an 'engine' man) or playing Smith in there with some extra bite. Gattuso would be ideal but almost impossible and hargreaves wouldn't add anymore than Phil Neville. So could it again be the chance of Richardson, Jones and Rossi? I think the best bet is to get that keeper bring through more youth and add in Essien.
As far as goalkeepers go, United need a young man. That rules out Toldo and Niemi. I'm still startled that our scouts didn't discover Petr Cech. These so-called 'scouts' are completely inept. If United are such a great club why are our scouts so poor? As for De La Pena: DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH.
As a close fan to man utd and understanding their problems by watching every game in the last couple of seasons i think two changes should be made.
The first, Man Utd must get rid of Roy Keane in order to buy another creative midfielder to play with Scholes which will enhance their chances in scoring.Keane was a legend no doubt but the time has come for him to hang his shoes and give his place to better. Essien is a very good option but i really recommend De Rossi who will turn to be one of the best around.About the striking issue i think that Ruud has lost it and it's time to replace him. The most suitable player would be Robinho who is going to be the next pele.Man Utd must get him at any price if they want a legened to arise.
It seems that we're unable to attract the best names in football anymore. Something's gone terribly wrong at Old Trafford since we sold David Beckham and since Peter Kenyon defected to Chelsea. I know some will counter-argue that we bought Wayne Rooney since then, but it was because United were willing to break the bank to sign him. In the 90's, we didn't have to do that. These days, many of the promising players seem to want to sign for teams like Arsenal or Liverpool. Do you know why? It's because they believe in the vision (or what the Spaniards refer to as the "project") of Wenger and Benitez. I honestly do not know what Sir Alex's "project" is because this is probably the most talented but unbalanced United side I've seen in the last 15 years. United has got some very talented players but they're not a "team. Rooney and Van Nistlerooy don't seem to understand each other. Neither does Ronaldo and RVN. Before we get any players, United/Sir Alex needs to let Queiroz go. United are going nowhere with him. With regards to a midfielder to replace Keane, do not get Essien. Buy Wesley Sneijder from Ajax. United needs to find a long-term replacement for Scholes as well. Rafael Van Der Vaart perhaps? Since there aren't any good young goalkeepers that are available at the moment, sign an older but experienced keeper like Toldo for now. In the meantime, United should head down to Scandinavia to find a young but promising keeper from Denmark, Finland or Sweeden, who can be groomed for the future. Scandinavians are tall, strong, generally cool-headed, used to cold climates, and speak quite good English. Most importantly, United won't need to break the bank to sign one.
This summer we need to clear out the dead wood and by at least two players. A quality keeper and a quality proven midfielder.
I think that united need a new keeper more than any thing I think Alex should get one of these keepers: Casillas,Gomes,Toldo,Cudicini or Robinson because all these keepers are on great form
I would go for Gerrard or Lampard, perhaps Nedved . Just the best
Personally I would like to see the likes of Pique, Rossi, Eagles and Richardson given the opportunity in the 1st team squad.
Players to go Bellion, P.Nev, Kleberson, Carroll, Miller and OShea.
Experience brought in check status of Van Bommel, plus Figo (would be great for Ronaldo development), Scott Parker!
GK really if we can continue with our solid defence (depends on RF) then we just need a solid performer rather than a spectacular one...still like cuducini, russel hoult or robert green.....mistake of the last summer transfer window allowing Robinson to get away to spurs for a very small sum!
Sir Alex Ferguson needs to look at replacements for paul scholes and roy keane and ryan giggs, my suggestions are tomas rosicky from Broussia Dortmund to replace Scholes, essien to replace keane and, Romeo Castelan from Holland for giggs. These are the player that manchester united should be looking for.
We need Essien! Give Howard another chance, and get a understeady for him, sell Carroll! I would love if all the people here stoped being so negativ! Take a look up from your shoes, and see the amount of young talent we have in our squad! Rooney, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Rossi, Pique, Spector, D.Jones, Martin, R.Jones, N'galua, Mikel, all between 17-21, and 4 of them have already played several games for our first team! Finaly we are also atrackting the young foreign talents!
Jon Obi Mikel is a fantastic talent. He turned 18 last week, and played his second game yesterday(sunday). The reason he hasn't played more is the rules that doesn't allow players under 18 from outside the EU to play firstteam football in Norway. He was MAN OF THE MATCH, scoring one and assisting another! He has a fantastic balance, and got tricks up his sleve that not many others have. Jose Mourinho described Mikel as GOLD! and he has been on trail with Chelski! We seams to have some of the best young talent right now. Mikels norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo, have the best youth system in Norway! And they have a education/football project that allows them to get players under 18 years from outside the EU! UNITED have now started a cooperation with LYN. I think this could turn out to be very proficable for both clubs.
Why write all this specualtion, when we have no money. The only way we can sign decent players, is if we sell. The bar codes and Villa want Smith, (don't sell) and Real want Ruud, (again don't sell). And of course Chelski don't want Rio. I'll be sick if we sell Ruud or Smith and keep Rio.
No doubts that a best shot stopper need to bring in, surely Robinson will have an advantage but Spurs will not easily sell him. As the defenders doing well and defensive midfielders can protect tightly, I think Roy Caroll will be a solution if MU didn't spending too much for next season.
Essien correctly will be the answer to MU failured in CL but his price gone up. Bring in Gatusso if his price is reasonable and another important position was a right back. No one at the bench play like Gary, but is there at Reserve League player can fill the position? I don't think so. Wes Brown did a reasonable jon since Gary was not avaiable.
Left midfielder also need to beef up. I agree that Malouda can fill Giggs place but Kieran looking good on that position after one or two season. Scholes in 30yrs and SAF need to go for Aimar or Kaka if want to success in CL next season.
Rooney need long term partnership upfront. Ole and Ruud will not around in 3 years. MU should go for experience striker but gives Bellion enough minutes of playing time. Look strong and tall Bellion will be an asset to MU.
Saha, unfortunately will get a boot. Talented Kleberson should stay for a season. His perfomance raise up lately and a goal against Charlton came from his one touch lovely.
I hope that CQ will give him more chances to play. Actually I've no idea about Miller and Phil. Fortune should get another extension. Like Heinze, he is a warrior too.
First and foremost, we have to make a deal with a real GK, I will definitly opt to Jussi Jaaskelainen of Bolton or for Gomes of PSV as a goolkeeper as per quality, superiority and lenght.
Further more, talking about the back four, we have to search out for a real stopper, Milito is a guarantee and he has aleady been named with Man U shoppoing list! However we must keep an eye on Ramos, he's only 19 yrs old and he has already showed what he is capable for!!...so why don't we give him a try.
When we came to midfield...well we have already Ronaldo & Scholes as leaders, but keeping in mind the low budget we have I will go for V.Bommel of PSV & Emre of Internazionale. Both Keane & Giggs are in their late stage of their career therefore, both Emre and Bommel will succesed in filling the gap their successors laft behind. Another solution for the left wing could be V.Der Vaart of Ajax who has already declared his desire to leave his cuurent team and he is in his final year of his contract....so what are we waiting for!!
Speaking of Fowards, personally, we have the best 2 strikers in Rooney and Nistelrooy, just give them another season to worth they are the best couple after Cole/Yorke era!.
On the other side, if we aquire these type of palyers, well we have to get rid of Kleberson since we had nothing from him, Saha cause unfortunalty he's always injured, Carroll... maybe he is capable for the Malta Premier Division, Bellion, Miller and Silvestre.
Moreover we have to keep in mind that we have other youngster who definitly will be good for the premier division in a short time such as Pique, Rossi and the new nigerian wonder kid!!
Good luck Man U we're still the best!!
I think that a defender is not needed because man u have had a strong defence throught-out the season with neville ferdinand silverstre and heinze, i would say that a back up for gary might be needed and 1 of the best young right backs in the world is sietaridis(greeces right back) having delt with the best players in europe(henry nedved zidane ronaldo). Michael Essien would be a great addition to the squad and could be they replacement for the great 1 (roy keane) i think we also need a young winger maybe not this summer but next summer definately to replace RYAN GIGGS striker is not need we have the best strike force as in a foursome. The goalkeeper i would like to see at man u is either 1 of 3 paul robinson (spurs) andreas ikasson(rennes) or carlos kameni(espanyol) all these keepers are in the 10 best keeper in europe. But we will see who they buy.
there is no arguments we need to replace, roy, giggs, scholes, especially nevilles. im not saying right now but bring in the talent and groom them for next season when they get used to the pace and adapt to english football which is the hardest to do in europe. my concerns are we haven any transfer funds maybe for a keeper. so if ferdinand doesnt sign we should sell him for 35 mill plus. the deadwood should be gone, phil,saha,belion,miller,oshea,fortune,silvestre gosh i can keep goin. we need midfielders with pace and power and who can actually pass a decent ball. (except scholes). essien/silva of vilareal is on great form, for keanes position. ronaldinho/kaka/aimar for scholes. robben/robinho/vicente for giggsy and im still fuming with the rat kenyon on how he manged to not get ronaldinho and robben
Prakash Kamdar, I have to disagree! United's signing of potentially legendary players like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo is all the more amazing because throughout the '90s, we consistently failed to land any of the top stars we were linked with. Batistuta, Ronaldo, Del Piero, Shearer, Salas, Ortega and more recently, Ronaldinho. Van Nistelrooy and Veron were the exception to the rule. Prior to them, our biggest money signings had been the likes of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, quality players in the league and Europe, but not "Galactico"-type stars of world football. I agree with your want for a Scandinavian goalkeeper. There's a fellow up the road at Bolton called Jussi Jaaskelainen who is decent.
saha should go and van nistelroy. we should go for ronaldo the brazilian striker and the real madrit goalkiper. and the likes of f.neville, belljon, miller they all should go because kiping them is just west of money. kleberson as well get rid of them.
I THINK WE NEED
1 GOALKEEPER
4 DEFENDERS
4 MIDFIELDERS
2 FORWARDS
1 NEW MANAGER
ENUF SAID
I my opinion Utds downfall this season hasn't been the keeper, neither of them have made half the number of crucial mistakes Barthez made, and Utd still won the league with the french clown... I think the weakest link in the Utd team this year has been in the midfield area. Scholes, Giggs and Keane were pure world-class a couple of years ago, ut today they are just "very good", and that is not enough when competing against teams like Chelsea, Barcelona and Milan.
Therefore I would spend my money on one defensive midfielder, and to me there is one obvious choice; Mascherano of River, who is both very tough-tackling and with a great vision, could very well be the ideal replacement for Keane!
My second suggestion in the midfield area would be van der Vaart, who has shown great potetial at the highest level. Unforutnately he seems to have a bad temper, but I think sir Alex could calm him down.
And as it seems inevitable that Utd will buy a new keeper in the summer my suggestion is Andreas Isaksson of Rennes (and yes, I'm biased). At 23 he's already quite experienced with 30 international games and two seasons in Juventus. Rennes has some of Europes best goalkeeping coaches, the very same system which fine-tuned Cech for two seasons before he moved to Chelski.
There you have three players who all are "very good" today and with just a bit of luck could be "world class" in a very near future, without having to spend a fortune. And both Mascherano and vd Vaart are only 20 and Isaksson 23.
gk lee camp
dc lucio
fc ariel ortega
fc diego
fc shevchenco
ROAR from Norway ...
Keep roaring buddy - you talk alot of sense.
My constant worry is about the Old Boy playing them enough to keep them on board, though - he's got a worrying tendency to:
(i) play his favourites when they're hopelessly out of form, and
(ii) buy the likes of DJDJ, Miller, Kleb and so on
both of which get in the way of the progress of the young 'uns.
Keep the faith!
SAF must know what to do now - buy Gomez (PSV), Essiene (Lyon), make Roy assistant Coach and save salary of current Asst. Coach who should be sent on loan (is that possible?) to Newcastle. Players should also be asked to judge themselves when they have fallen below the ManU standards and move on. It seems, (though I cant be certain) that apart from Rooney who is on the up, the number of yellows and reds we getting come from the now slower older players! Glad to know we have acquired a highly rated young player Mikel? but we must know that Mourinho seems to be able to grill average players into good and good into very good (no one knows how, maybe it is good luck, hard work, magic?). Lastly - the mellow atmosphere at OT must therefore be fought - as said above make Keane Asst. Coach!
Gomes looks like a thoroughly nice chap but, like Roy Carroll, he was guilty of basic errors against Milan. He's not the real deal.