These are frustrating times for Sir Alex Ferguson. After selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid the Scot has £80m burning a hole in his pocket to spend on a replacement for both the Portuguese flyer and Carlos Tevez. Yet every time he targets a player, Real beat him to the punch.
However all is not lost for Fergie and there are still plenty of decent players about. Here's just five of them:
Sergio Aguero
United need to land a big-name signing to be seen to be keeping up with Real, and Atletico Madrid striker Aguero could just fit the bill.
The Argentine international has been has been a regular goalscorer since moving to La Liga and at 21 he's nowhere near his peak yet.
Two other things in United's favour? Although unhappy about selling one of their biggest assets, Atletico will content themselves that he's going to one of city rivals Real's biggest competitors. Also, Aguero's strike partner at the Vincente Calderon is a certain Diego Forlan who enjoyed some good times at Old Trafford.
David Villa
Now that Real have landed Karim Benzema perhaps they won't be so keen on Valencia's Spanish international striker. He's immediately been linked with a £40m switch to Barcelona and has also stated that he wants to stay in Spain. But Cristiano Ronaldo said he wanted to stay at Manchester United!
It would be interesting to see what would happen if United were to make a mind-blowing bid for Villa, especially as Valencia are desperate for cash. At Barca he would have to fit in alongside not just Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi but also Samuel Eto'o whose move to Manchester City seems to have stalled. At Old Trafford it would just be Villa, Rooney and Berbatov making the chance of playing most games much higher.
Samuel Eto'o
If Villa does choose the Nou Camp then it would surely be curtains for Eto'o. Many would assume that he'd quickly up sticks and head for Eastlands, but there's no reason why United couldn’t divert him when he reaches Manchester Airport.
A proven striker at the highest level, in footballing terms United offer Eto'o far more than he would get at City. The choice would be money or glory.
Andre-Pierre Gignac
The 23-year-old Toulouse striker has been linked with United in a number of newspaper reports but it would be a surprise if Sir Alex made a move.
He enjoyed a decent season with the French club last year but has limited experience in European competition and the step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League could take a while - and United need quick fixes.
Federico Macheda
Yes we know he's already at the club but Fergie could surprise everyone by deciding not to splash out on a big-name signing and promote from within.
Macheda is still very young but he showed last season that he has an eye for goal and popped up with some crucial strikes as United clinched the title. It would be a big gamble for Fergie and if it backfires he would need to look around quickly for a replacement - a move that would surely double any club's asking price.
