Soccer: Important summer for Manchester United

This season's title race is not over just yet. The Blues must still visit Anfield, ensuring plenty more drama in the final two weekends. United have not given up hope just yet.

However, it does not take a genius to realise that all is not well at Old Trafford. Even overlooking the tense situation regarding the Glazers, United have issues to address. And you can be sure that plans for next season are already being drawn up.

The truth of the matter is that this season's title race has been different from recent years. The top teams have slipped up more often - to the credit of the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City, Burnley and others - and no team has consistently dazzled. This was a year that a good team, not a great one, would lift the trophy. And yet United may let the prize slip away.

As predicted last summer, this United squad has its limitations and is too dependant on a handful of key players. For stretches during this campaign this fact was hidden, largely by the brilliance of Wayne Rooney. Yet the lasting impression will be that United have not had enough quality to call upon.

So expect an interesting summer, regardless of the outcome of the title race. It remains to be seen how much money Ferguson will have to spend but there are obvious holes to plug. Three areas spring to mind as the United boss plots a mini revamp of his squad.

First, the champions need a reliable right back. At present, Rafael Da Silva is still maturing, Wes Brown is injury riddled and Gary Neville has been exposed against quality opposition. Rafael's lack of experience cost United in the Champions League against Bayern Munich and Ferguson cannot afford such lapses. The rest of the back four - Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra - is up there with the world's best but the right back slot needs attention.

While Rafael appears to be the long-term answer, a couple of names jump out as useful additions for the present in this position, though their availability is unclear. Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos would be a high end option – and might be tempted to leave the Bernabeu after several disappointing years – while Bayern Munich’s Philipp Lamm is another top drawer performer.

Next, a cultured midfielder capable of scoring ten goals a season is a real necessity. As Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs near the end of their careers, United must provide fresh legs to complement them. Darren Fletcher had an outstanding season and will remain a regular for years to come but Michael Carrick's form was patchy and his prowess in the last third remains limited.

While United are unlikely to lure Xavi or Andres Iniesta away from Barcelona, it is this type of player they are so badly missing. A central midfielder with vision, quick feet and a good engine would make a huge difference alongside Fletcher. In short, they need Scholes in his prime.

Assuming United can throw around £25M at this problem, the likes of Lyon’s Miralem Pjanic, Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff and Roma’s Daniele De Rossi look attractive options and would take some of the pressure off the strikers with their knack of finding the net. Valencia’s David Silva is another playmaker who has long been linked with United.

The third area to address is even more glaring and that is finding a partner for Rooney. Ferguson still loves the 4-4-2 formation but Dimitar Berbatov's low confidence and often feeble contributions have made that unworkable.

Instead, the 4-5-1 system has regularly been employed. This helps protect the weary legs of Scholes but a reliable strike partner for Rooney would relieve some of the burden on the England man's shoulders. United swooped for talented Mexican Javier Hernandez this month but the feeling remains that a proven front man is required, especially as the Michael Owen gamble failed to bear fruit.

Without breaking the bank, United could pursue Gabby Agbonlahor or even Robbie Keane. And of course, in an ideal world, they could table an offer for Valencia’s prolific striker David Villa. The addition of a predator like Villa would, in itself, push Ferguson’s side closer to matching Barcelona.

Of course, the United boss may well have considerably less to spend than the £70-80M or so required to address these three problem areas. But he could add to his transfer kitty by offloading Berbatov or even temperamental winger Nani.

It should be noted that after losing Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, United have exceeded expectations in pushing Chelsea all the way. But until they find the weapons to support Rooney, the Red Devils will struggle to match Europe’s finest.

ENDS

NBA: Deng and Bulls ready for bright future

Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls may have crashed out of the NBA Playoffs in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers but the GB star could not be faulted.

Charged with spearheading the Bulls offence and guarding Cleveland dangerman LeBron James, Deng rose to the challenge and cemented his standing as a talented small forward.

Though James, this season's MVP, averaged more than 31 points in the series, Deng played gritty defence on the Cavaliers' number 23. Despite giving up 30 pounds, he pushed James all the way.

Deng also chipped in consistently at the offensive end. With his trademark jump shot looking smooth, he scored 18.8 points in the series.

The Cavaliers are many people's favourites to win the NBA Championship this season. Yet the Bulls were not disgraced and, believe it or not, they can a lot of heart from that.

Now Deng must wait patiently to see how the summer unfolds in Chicago. The Bulls cleared enough cap space just before the trade deadline to chase a top free agent, such as the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, who is a Chicago native, or Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors.

With a strong, young core, which includes Deng, point guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah, Chicago should be better equipped to make an impact in next year's post season, depending on their success in wooing a top free agent.

There could be a coaching change too. Head coach Vinny Del Negro's position has been the subject of speculation for the bulk of the season, even though he guided a solid but not spectacular Bulls roster into the Playoffs.

So there is plenty for Deng to digest as he enjoys a well earned rest this summer. After an injury hit year, the GB talisman is rediscovering his best form and it is perfect timing because next season promises to be the most exciting for Bulls fans since the great Michael Jordan left town.