It wasn’t quite four successive League titles or three Champions League finals in a row – but it’s a testament to Manchester United as a club and to their manager that they came as close as they did considering they’re a bland side without Wayne Rooney.

A fine individual performance from the young England striker saw him receive the player of the year award, but much work is to be done to United’s midfield if they are to challenge for the real honours once again.

 

At least two world class midfielders are needed to take the weight of responsibility away from Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, while Dimatar Berbatov could lead an exodus after failing to prove himself as a United player.

The week which saw United well beaten by Munich away and Chelsea at home appeared to be the one that finished them off – although they clung on admirably to bring the title race down to the wire.

But the money that was brought in for Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez must be used this summer on established, experienced players. The problem is, as the protests and the Green and Gold around Old Trafford testifies, it might be kept out of Alex Ferguson’s war chest.