How can Manchester United possibly go further than they did last season? Not only did they take home the two biggest (literally) trophies in the club game but they also played football that was almost out of this world at times. So it seems like the 2008/09 season is destined to hold nothing but disappointment for the European Champions. Or is it?

It really wouldn’t surprise me if Man Utd did it all again this year. After all, if you look at the other members of the ‘Big 3’ you start to ask yourself who will be capable of making a challenge. Arsenal are a great side, but do they have enough in their squad to sustain a title bid? Liverpool always look a decent enough proposition but they fade out and I’ve seen nothing (as of yet) to make me believe that the forthcoming season will be any different. Then there’s Chelsea who could start the season with a completely new set of players having already changed their manager, meaning almost anything could happen to them.

The summer speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with Real Madrid hasn’t left the back page, but this is fully understandable. In my opinion, he is the difference between United continuing their dominance of both the domestic and European game and falling short. Sure, they have some wonderful players throughout their squad and he isn’t everything, but when they’ve really needed a spark it has almost always been the tricky winger who has provided it. Take away his ability to provide chances and his 40 odd goals a season and United are left with a much trickier task to keep hold of the silverware.

I don’t think United really need to add any players to their squad, if Ronaldo does end up staying at Old Trafford. However, there is talk of them signing a big name striker and the likes of Berbatov, Etoo or even Owen (dare I say it) would fit nicely into the squad.

I predict that despite all the hype and media speculation, that Ronaldo will remain a Man Utd player and with him in their squad they will continue to be there or thereabouts when the trophies are handed out at the end of the season. I’ll stick my neck on the line and say that the Manchester United football shirts will once again hold onto the gold badge and win the Premiership just about and reach the latter stages of the Champions League. Anything less would be a huge let down for the Red Devils.