From today's Independent on Sunday:
1: FAILURE TO REGENERATE
There is no evidence that the venerated midfield of Beckham, Scholes, Keane and Giggs, a magnificent blend of pace, vision, physique and desire, is being effectively replenished, either through the academy or lavish purchase.
2: IMPACT OF INJURIES
Particularly to captain Roy Keane, the conscience of United. Not the force he was, but still a huge motivating influence. Rearguard seriously weakened by the loss of Gabriel Heinze and Gary Neville.
3: UNCERTAINTY OVER FERGIE
It's that familiar we-know-he's-going-but-when-will-he-quit question, as potentially destabilising in football as it is in politics. The Scot's volte-face, having announced his retirement, was not the wisest of moves.
4: ROYAL DAVID'S CITY
Departure of David Beckham (above) deprived United of one of the world's best crossers and dead-ball executioners, not to mention a talismanic figure who contributed hugely to the financial clout of the brand.
5: FORGETFUL RIO
Ferdinand's drug- test fiasco and the lengthy ban that followed proved costly. Rio has since riled United fans with protracted contract negotiations and failing to justify extravagant claims by his advocates that he is the world's best defender.
6: ROMAN'S ARRIVAL
Abramovich and Jose Mourinho at Chelsea created a behemoth in opposition. Suddenly Old Trafford was not a magnet for world talent. It's doubtful if the Glazer take-over will have a similar impact.