If I were to choose, I'll place my bet on Michael Owen as a resever striker. He has proven to be one of the best in the trade before and with his current situation, all clubs will be able to get him on "Free Transfer" with the "Pay as you Play" package. I strongly believe in every match he'll put in not only 110% but maybe 200%. Besides Owen, I'll like to have one more striker, thats Marcus Berg from FC Groningen. During the Euro U21, he was the top scorer breaking the record of seven goals and even managed a hat-tirck against Belarus. His ideal place to play next will be either Spain or England, so getting him will be quite easy as compared to huge name and well established players. I don't see his transfer fee to go beyond the 8 million pounds mark as his current club only paid 2.5 million pounds for him. In 5 years time Man U will be able to sell him at a good 25 million pounds or more if he develops well.
With Rooney & Berbatov as the main striker, you need to also rest them at times, therefore, Owen fits in the bill nicely. Who in the world with a big name would want to come to Man U as a 3rd choice. So I still believe Owen is the man.
Looking at replacement for Ronaldo, to me he is not a lost to us, cos last season clearly shows that his mind is at least 40% of the club already. I don't like players to go down so easily, it proves only one thing, they are not as fit as they claim. With Real already spent about 170million pounds in the transfer market for Kaka, Ronaldo and Benzema, how much more can they spend? If I were the manager of Man U, I'll move in now to close Ribery as per plan.
Last but not least, planning a head, I would wish for a pair of save hands at the back. Van de Sar will most likly retire next season or the one after. Although we have the likes of Ben Foster lining up behind Van da Sar, however, hes always down with injuries, and thats bad for the club. Man U is not any ordinary Premier League clubs, at times they need to play 3 matches in 7 days, and I don't think Ben Foster will be up to the stake. So, my take will be to sign the young Manuel Neuer from Schalke 04. During the Euro U21, he only let in 1 goal from England, thats super performance. Looking at his performance and age, his price tag should be around the range of 5 to 6 million pounds. Too me it is still a very good buy.
In fact, Man U need not to overhaul the team too much with the leaving of Ronaldo and Tevez, cos most of the team is still intact, if every players will to put in additional 10% to 20% more effort, they will be the next Ronaldo and Tevez of tomorrow. I always believe, a good team is not built among 1 or 2 players, but a good team is always built by 12 commented players.
