It was a heart attack inducing end to the domestic season. At one point, the Premier League title was going to Manchester United; five minutes later, Sergio Aguero, the most composed man in the Etihad Stadium, calmly fired past Paddy Kenny to ensure their 3-2 win over QPR was enough to land them their first title in 44 years. It comes after three years of investment at City; however a quiet summer for Roberto Mancini, unlike counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson, showcases how desperate the Scot is to reclaim his place at the summit of the Premiership and with online betting, you can be sure to back the winner next year.
United have moved during the transfer window to secure the duo of Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa, both arriving from Crewe Alexandra and Borussia Dortmund respectively. It highlights the need to Ferguson for investment within the squad and the recent flotation on the New York Stock Exchange has the Glazers hoping to raise anything upwards of £1.5bn. The additional funds to the United manager would surely go a long way to wrestling back their position in England as they continue their pursuit to be football’s biggest team.
However, there is still the little matter of City standing between them and glory once again. The Citizens have spent heavily in recent years and are unlikely to give up their title as Manchester’s best without a fight. Granted, Mancini is yet to dip into Sheikh Mansour’s seemingly bottomless pocket to bring in any new arrivals. The most significant bit of business City have completed this summer was to secure captain Vincent Kompany on a bumper six year contract.
Nevertheless, despite the business United have already concluded this summer, the need to strengthen remains painfully evident. Dimitar Berbatov is expected to depart Old Trafford, meaning a new striker could be priority for Ferguson. Furthermore, a replacement for Paul Scholes will be needed sooner rather than later. The 37-year-old may have signed a new one year contract with United, but at his age, this season is likely to be his last.
Joao Moutinho and Luka Modric have both been mooted as possible replacements for Scholes and it is one position that United desperately need to strengthen this summer. Granted, Kagawa has arrived, but he is more likely to play closer to the striker rather than the back-four, the same applying to Powell. A deep lying playmaker is a necessity during the transfer window if United are still to push on and reclaim their throne.
There is still time in the transfer window to adequately strengthen before it slams shut at the end of the month. However, the sooner United conclude their business, the better it will be for the fans and players alike and give the potential new arrival enough time to settle in properly under Ferguson. If United are to reclaim their trophy and win their 13th Premier League crown, new additions must remain a priority for the United manager or the club risk losing out to City for a second successive season.
Ben McAleer
