Transfer Updates

This has already been a hectic summer transfer window for many clubs but at Old Trafford, there is much more to come following the capture of Phil Jones. Clearly there will be some more changes in personnel, some forced and some by Sir Alex`s choice and it will be fascinating to see just who comes in before the start of the season.

With the retirements of Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar there are two very big holes to fill in the team and nobody wants a repeat of the revolving door system that saw so many goalkeepers come into the side after Schmeichel.

It was a surprise to many fans that David de Gea is to be installed as Ferguson`s number one choice. The Spaniard is clearly a brilliant stopper but at 20 is he really ready to take over from the safe hands of the Dutchman? With no movement on the Atletico Madrid number one, there might still be moves for the likes of Maarten Stekelenburg before this window is closed.

The transfer story of the summer so far has to centre around Luka Modric and the offer from Chelsea. Since then, Spurs have moved to insist the player is not for sale and the Croatian himself seems to have gone back on comments that he would favour the move. This will be a test to see if every player does indeed have his price and if United step in with a more realistic bid, could Modric be the man to replace Scholes?

Another player in the frame for that awesome task has been Wesley Sneijder but to date there has been no more than idle speculation surrounding Inter`s Dutchman.

Jones however is a big acquisition and this is where United showed their capabilities to step in and spend big while other teams were dithering over the asking price. England`s under 21 captain has said he will be patient and wait for his chance but many fans are certain he should be one of the first names to be inked in on the team sheet by August.

Jones` arrival sparked more rumours concerning Rio and a possible move back to London but it`s difficult to see that one happening. A more likely departure may be that of Berbatov who has been constantly linked with a transfer back to Tottenham, possibly as a makeweight in the Luka Modric deal.

It seems bizarre to think that the man who shared the Premiership`s Golden Boot last season could be dropped so quickly but with just a year left on his contract, could Sir Alex be tempted to cash in? If he does then surely a replacement is needed and sharp though Michael Owen looked at the end of the campaign, it`s hard to see him lasting a whole season.

Although some might claim that Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf could fill the void Berba’s departure would potentially leave behind, I believe that only Welbeck has a long-term future at Old Trafford. An expereienced striker will be needed to act as cover for Rooney and Chicharito.

If rumours are true that Samuel Eto’o is angling for a move away from Inter Milan, then surely United should at least approach the player to see if there is a possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford. On his day, he must surely be one of the most exciting strikers on the planet and would fit into Man Utd’ style of playing much better than Berba ever did.

One can only hope that Fergie doesn’t replace Berba with further speculative signings like Diouf and Obertan, but with proven quality.

The transfer window as a whole has been fascinating thus far but for United it`s just beginning. There are some very big boots to fill for next season and while the purchase of Phil Jones is a big coup, there is much more to come. It will be an exciting season all round with some great live football in prospect and if United are going to make it title number 20, Sir Alex will need to choose his men wisely.