by Michael Sawh

Created on: August 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

After an opening 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at Old Trafford already putting Sir Alex and his side behind the front runners wishing to take the title from Old Trafford, the trophy hungry manager may point to that age old clich that You don't win anything in the first week of the season', and the resulting 0-0 draw with Reading in the season opener last season, which ended up with the club finishing Premier League winners and champions of Europe.

The United bench did look uncharacteristically threadbare, with youngster Rodrigo Possebon, who was given first team opportunities to impress in pre-season, and one of the Brazilian twins Rafael perhaps making an appearance ahead of schedule. A combination of injuries and absences has culminated in the unimpressive looking bench for the game against Newcastle.

What will have been more startling for the manager was a side that through the absence of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo due to personal reasons and injury respectively, were devoid of a mainstay of their goal resources, further supporting the need for another striking option to appear at the club before the transfer window slams shut.

Dimitar Berbatov continues to be the name muttered within the walls of Old Trafford but as Tottenham Hotspurs continue to hold out on the valuation of their player and the value that the champions place upon his talents, each misfiring moment against Newcastle United will have only seen the valuation of Berbatov rise, furthering the player from a prospective move.

Sir Alex has no reason to push the panic button just yet; the defence was once again a source of solidity despite conceding first in the match, while the midfield was missing notable absences with the likes of Anderson so impressive in his debut season, to return from the Olympics, and Owen Hargreaves recovering from injury who will strengthen the reserves.

But even with Cristano Ronaldo ahead of schedule in his recuperation from his ankle injury, Tevez also soon to return, the club still seeking out a work permit for Angolan striker Manucho who impressed in the African Nations, and a Wayne Rooney where Ferguson has echoed his wish to give the player his natural forward role in the side, most clubs would be content with this array of attacking talent.

Should Manchester United intend another successful assault on all fronts, Berbatov or someone of his innate quality is still very much a necessity, even if the club are tight lipped about the urgency to get the man that could be the missing link in their attempts to retain their League and Champions League trophies.

Learn more about this author, Michael Sawh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.