Starting from the back, I would be surprised if we do not see a summer of United trying to persuade VDS to stay for one more year. He has the ability and fitness levels to do so and think it would be a massive mistake to let him go without a fight.
Our back four, IMO, is one of, if not, the best in the League by a country mile. I would like to see some of the younger ones given more of a run out if the coaching staff think they are good enough but I don't think I am in a position to comment on them as I do not watch enough of the United youth set up. Maybe add one up and coming youngster to keep it all fresh, Jones / Rodwell type mould but if we lined up with Rafael Rio Vida and Evra with Smalling, Fabio et al as backup, I would have no qualms with it. Little to no investment needed unless people jump ship / are sold.
Midfield - now this to me is where the issue is and I could probably write a small novel about who would come in and make us stronger. The right side of midfield is our strongest area of midfield with Nani and Valencia strongest on that side plus other people able to fill in there if needed. The opposite flank is different though. Yes, Nani and other people can play there, but I think no one is at the strongest when playing there and on this basis, I think a good left sided midfielder would be great even it is just to give us some more options and competition. Central midfield, IMO, would not be a surprise if there is a complete overhaul. We seem to have loads of CMs who can play fantastically as a three man midfield but a team that only plays fantastically when we play 4-4-2, which to me is an issue. I'd love to see a midfielder come in with one hell of an engine who can bomb up and down constantly (Anderson would fit the bill if he wasn't fat in the arse area). We could then allow Fletcher or Carrick or Gibson or Hargo (
) to just sit in front of the back 4 and pass 5 yards to start off the attacks. Investment needed but could be anything from £10m to £100. The issue with the investment here is whether the money is available or not (I don't think it is, personally). For what it is worth, I also think that Gibson will probably go, but Scholes will carry on for one more year.
Up front - same as the back 4 really. Possibly needs someone to come in and keep it fresh and competitive but Welbeck is more than likely to do this if he decides to stay for a season and see if he can break into the team. Would have no issue if we start the season with Rooney, Hernandez, Berba and Welbeck with back up from the youngsters. Would be surprised if Macheda stays though - loan abroad does not give me the impression that Fergie would be too arsed if he left!!!
Overall, we are top of the League and in the QF and SF of the CL and FA Cup respectively. A decent squad, but not a fantastic one. Nothing to worry about massively but also nothing wrong with keeping it fresh and the wheels in motion
