As the dust settles after an epic battle for the English Premiership title, the summer months will bring along its fair share of speculation and rumors. What would be foremost on fans’ minds will be possible transfer sagas. The development of Manchester City as the richest club in football will also be headline news.
The EPL’s big four could have some concerned looks on their faces as a critical summer awaits them. Manchester United might need the most work despite having enjoyed another successful season defending their league crown and a second successive appearance in the final of European football’s premier competition, the UEFA Champions League.
There are many things right about the club, but Alex Ferguson will have lots to think about in the summer. These include the neverending rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club. The Portuguese star refuses to rubberstamp his long term commitment to the Red Devils and is a prime target for the richer clubs in Europe.
Manchester United could also rue their decision to haggle over the price for the popular Carlos Tevez. It has left the striker disgusted with the treatment dished out by the club and he is on his way out. This could leave the English champions’ forward line in need of more reinforcements.
The club’s record signing Dimitar Berbatov has not settled in well. Fans have started to get on his back despite the manager’s support and insistence that the player would come good. A full season after the summer could make or break the Bulgarian’s time at Old Trafford.
Finally, age is becoming an issue with the more experienced players in the champion’s squad. Players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and even Rio Ferdinand could see further decline in their powers. The new and younger crop of players have much potential but experience is something that cannot be bought with money.
The champions are not the only ones faced with disruptions at all levels. Liverpool again face questions about their financial security. Chelsea have to embark on another spending spree to freshen their playing ranks, while Arsenal will need to finally prove all their potential counts for something in the form of silverware.
For the detractors of English football, this might be good news to them. However, there are teams waiting in the wings to take over if any of the big guns fail to perform, such as Manchester City and Everton. There might be some disruptions ahead, but expect the champions and their challengers to still come good eventually.