So there we have it. United have spent close on £40m on two Portuguese wonderkids and Owen Hargreaves and no matter what the Chavs do, it feels as if next season is going to be a two horse race again.

Oh well, let’s concentrate on Europe.

We’ve been linked with more names than Lloyds and know from last season that the strength in depth and quality isn’t at a level to compete on a consistent basis.

But we can’t blame injuries on the lame end to our season.

Remember that United had forwards Saha and Smith out for long periods, Neville as well and much as I despise him, he provides experience and width.

Remember that Chavski were without Robben, Terry or Cech for much of the campaign too.

It’s clear we need more strength in depth.

Is Ribery the answer to our creative problems? The man who has moved clubs on a consistent basis, fell out with Henry last summer at the World Cup for failing to pass to him enough and is now over-priced as a consequence of the finals… I’m yet to be convinced.

Henry’s use of the phrase “for now” when discussing his Arsenal future raised alarm bells. I for one am not going to write him off after just one poor season… hopefully jaunts to Asia for Reebok will not have hampered his rehabilitation too much. Is he really considered worth more than Eto’o on current form and age… or do Barca know more than we do about the African’s suspect temperament. Together it would be a dream partnership… one for the other… I just can’t see it.

Much as I didn’t care about England’s friendly against Brazil last week, one thing I noted when watching the Sky build-up. David Bentley. Scorer of some great goals last season, creator of many more. An England winger and practically given away. Surely he would do much more for us than Hleb did last season?

And then there’s Steve Sidwell. Impressive in the lower leagues, shown his class when given the chance, signed by the Chavs and undoubtedly going to represent England at some stage.

Now don’t get me wrong, England is no benchmark for excellence but even so… add to that list the injury prone Upson, Pennant (who didn’t have a complete shocker against AC Milan recently) and it all adds up to a whole load of talent we’ve let go.

Are they Super Class? Perhaps not… but when the squad is stretched and rain pouring at Wigan, Bolton or Upton Park, the Brits may be better placed to cope with the barrage that awaits.

So take it from me, right now… there’ll be no English players signed by AW this summer… and probably not anyone any of us have ever heard of, let alone see play.

Let's hope Arsene Knows... or we're in for another very long campaign with more groans than cheers.