United have, for the most part, not looked like a champion side this season, even though they've had their share of brilliant games and superb victories. The point here is, the team has lacked that consistency and flair which characterizes a potent, all-conquering United unit. Granted, the side suffered from a horrendous injury crisis, but this does not make up for the at-times dreadful way United have gone about the business of playing football, let alone winning, and it is all coming down to the personnel on the field.

The squad at Manchester United right now has players who've won almost everything in the past three seasons, considering that the present squad came into transition around 2006. But they're not showing their capabilities at the highest level at which they're capable of playing. There are so many such players - Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ben Foster, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Wes Brown, and Johnny Evans. Apart from Evans (and even he has a full season of first team experience behind him), all of them are experienced footballers. But the way they have been going about their business suggests the fire within them for United has burnt out, and so it is time for the team to go into a transition again, given the lacklustre performances from this group of players, who form such an important core of the team. If Ferguson is right about available funding, then with the sale of a few under performers, the team can be rebuilt as required.

Starting right from the back, an overhaul is needed. While first choice keeper van der Sar is signing a one-year extension, he cannot be relied upon to play every game, given his age. So, a replacement has to be brought in, and Ben Foster, who has just not been good enough, has to be shipped out. Tomasz Kuszcack should be kept because he has delivered steady performances when called upon, and he should remain second choice. For first choice, either Manuel Neuer (of Schalke) or Hugo Lloris (of Lyon) should be brought in. Both of them are first choice keepers for their respective national sides, Germany and France, and both are young at 22-23. They however, have a huge amount of experience already, and so can be first choice for a number of years to come at United. With transfer funds available and money coming in through the sale of Foster, this purchase should not be a problem.

At right back, Gary Neville should retire, and so for next season, the choices would be Rafael da Silva, Wes Brown, and John O'Shea, in that order. Even Ritchie de Laet can play there. Brown is a natural right back, and he always plays well in that position. Given his age and experience, he would be really helpful for Rafael's development for the next 3-4 years while Brown is still playing.

At left back, Patrice Evra, Fabio da Silva, and Ritchie de Laet are available, along with O'Shea again. Given Fabio's struggles with fitness, he should be loaned out to either a side in the Championship, or the Portuguese league. Given his talent, he would get ample playing time in either league for the next season. de Laet will be an able deputy for Evra for the season.

Centre back is the most problematic position. With Ferdinand and Vidic constantly injured and Vidic even looking at leaving, this position will be considerably weakened next season. While Chris Smalling has already been signed, it would help the club if either one of Simon Kjaer (of Palermo) or Jack Rodwell (of Everton, who can also play in midfield) is also signed, since funds will be available due to the impending sale of Vidic. There are rumours about Bruno Alves (of Porto) and David Luiz (of Benfica), but I doubt they'll materialize. So, Brown would not be needed to fill in at centre back, a position he has not been good in this season. As it is, Evans is already there, plus O'Shea and de Laet can deputize at centre back as well. With these many options across positions, even an injury crisis of the sort seen this season in defense can be dealt with as well.

So, overall,  these are the players recommended to be seen in defense next season :

GK: Edwin van der Sar, Manuel Neuer / Hugo Lloris, Tomasz Kuszcack.

RB: Wes Brown, Rafael da Silva, John O'Shea, Richie de Laet.

LB: Patrice Evra, Richie de Laet, John O'Shea.

CB: Rio Ferdinand, Johnny Evans, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Ritchie de Laet, Chris Smalling, Simon Kjaer / Jack Rodwell.

With players from the Reserves such as Oliver Gill and Corry Evans also present, I believe the defense will be well covered.

Continued in the next part: Midfielders.