A Tough Summer for Manchester United

This summer will be difficult for Manchester United. Not only will the club have to deal with the miserable performance in the Champions League Final against Barcelona, and polishing the silverware the club did win this past season. The EPL Champions will have hefty personnel matters that will need attending. Of all the transfers that may or may not happen, there are two issues that will be of core concern to any Red Devil supporter.

Perhaps the most immediate problem at Old Trafford will be what to do with Carlos Tevez. No question the red clad supporters love to have him as an attacking option, and he seemed to pair very well with Wayne Rooney, but the hefty thirty million pound transfer fee may dictate the outcome here. Not only would the cash help out team owners the Glazer's, but as Sir Alex well knows there may be better bargains out there. United's financial position aside, the team can only be pleased with the way Tevez has played this past season. The Argentine showed fine form all year, and provided the needed attacking lift when called upon.

The other major issue this summer will be the fate of Christiano Ronaldo. With Real Madrid waiting to sign the young man, at record transfer fees, the financial state of the club is in full view. If United elect to sell Ronaldo, they would most likely need every cent to sign suitable replacements. Though Ronaldo's disappearing act in big games for Manchester United is not doing him any favors. This is the second Champions League Final in a row he has failed to show up for. The once mighty FIFA Player of the Year will only fuel speculation by appearing to waver on his commitment to United. Sir Alex may have to intervene before the end of June to set the midfielder straight.

No doubt Sir Alex has been here before, as he has been in this game for quite some time. He has proven his ability to handle even the most difficult players, one way or another. If United are to aim for a 19th League Title and a third consecutive Champions League Final, they will need all their key players. Whoever they may be.

For the time being names like Giggs, Rooney, Ferdinand, Vidic, and Park will be staying put at Old Trafford. Many managers in the world would give their right arm for four of those players, let alone be able to pick and choose from the impressive roster United possesses. Expect the club to deal properly with all their issues, including finding a new jersey sponsor, and emerge for the season with something to prove. The team can not enjoy having that performance in Rome stuck in their minds all Summer long. The boys in red will ready to come season start. The only question will be how far will they run? Perhaps all the way to Madrid.