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For a team that are reigning World Club Champions, Premier League Champions and Carling Cup holders, going into the season chasing their 4th consecutive Premier League title, there seems to be a surprising degree of negativity amongst Manchester United supporters and a real sense that this season looks set to be a tough challenge indeed.

The main reason for this is of course the huge loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez combined with an overall sense of inactivity in the transfer market due primarily to the free spending of Real Madrid and Manchester City which has left a sense that Manchester United are being left behind.

The sale of Ronaldo does now place added importance and emphasis on the attacking contributions and combinations of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov and they will be expected to produce and deliver the goals in this new era.

Alex Ferguson has been attempting to strengthen the squad and has made a positive signing in the form of Antonio Valencia from Wigan who has the potential to be top class and should prove to be very effective for United given his pace, technique and creativity.

Of course the real highlight of United’s summer has been the shock transfer of Michael Owen on a free and it will be fascinating watching what impact Owen has at United as opinion is split as to whether he will produce or not.

The impact Michael Owen has will depend on his ability to remain injury free and given that is something that has not happened for the last 5 years it must be case of wait and see on that front, but if Michael Owen proves to be a success then that will be a tremendous bonus to Manchester United’s cause.

Although the financial muscle of Real Madrid and Manchester City is having a major impact on Manchester United’s transfer policy this summer, the club still have a very experienced, powerful, well-balanced and versatile squad and it would be very dangerous to dismiss Manchester United totally at this point.

Manchester United are always strong and will prove to be just that again this season but we believe they also have to step up again this season because their main rivals will be stronger, more determined and quite possibly better equipped. United will be tested like never before and that might just prove too much of a test this time around in their quest for a 4th successive title.

PREDICTED LEAGUE POSITION:- 3rd