Pedigree: Not bad Premier League form with 11 titles in 17 years and seven in their previous 115 years. The fact that they are loved or loathed, and play at either the 'Theatre of Dreams' or 'Theatre of Delusions' depending on who you talk to, says it all about their position in the modern game. Despite the domestic success, a tally of just three Champions League titles keeps Sir Alex Ferguson awake at night.
They're the ones who...assume that they will win the league and, more often than not, win the league. They tend to have an under-par start, exciting everyone, Fergie tends to find someone to have a row with, possibly the latest threat to his dominance, then they come good in the new year and have the league sewn up by the end of April.
If Money Were No Object: They wouldn't have a £700m debt. And they could have spent even more than £17 million on Nani. All Manchester United fans would really desire is Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs to be given a special, expensive, pill to keep them playing forever.
World Cup Watch: So many are guaranteed a long summer but all eyes will be on Michael Owen. Every goal will take him a step closer to the plane and each goal drought will push him closer to the scrapheap. Could also be interesting seasons for Gary Neville, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda.
Last Year's Magic Moment: After losing to Liverpool and Fulham and trailing 2-0 to Aston Villa at Old Trafford, 17-year-old Macheda's injury time winner at Old Trafford - plus the crazy celebrations - takes some beating.
In: Antonio Valencia, Wigan, £16m; Michael Owen, Newcastle, free; Gabriel Obertan, Bordeaux, £3m; Biram Diouf, Molde, undisclosed.
Out: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, £80m; Danny Galbraith, Hibernian, free; Fraizer Campbell, Sunderland, £3.5m; Carlos Tevez, Manchester City, £25.5m, Richard Eckersley, Burnley, tribunal, Lee Martin, Ipswich, £2m; Manucho, Real Valladolid, free.
Driving Ambition: World domination
The Reality: Domestic domination.
How Outsiders View Them: More than likely their least favourite team. They once signed your best player.
Our Mole Says: Expect another surprise arrival before the transfer window closes to blow Ferguson's mock-concern about the transfer market out of the water.
Spending Money: After Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid, even more than usual is available. Not that they're spending it. The club that once spent £28m on Juan Sebastien Veron is concerned about the lack of value in the market this summer.
The Boss: Despite turning 68 this year and with all that silverware behind him, Fergie is still up for it. You get the sense he would fancy his chances in an arm-wrestle with Wayne Rooney.
What To Say About The Squad: Neville, Scholes and Giggs apart, very youthful - and massive.
What Not To Say About The Squad: Don't mention the lack of a holding midfielder or goals.
Best Friends or Bust-up: Carlos Tevez's departure could affect the famous three-way friendship with Patrice Evra and Ji-Sung Park. The language barriers have never mattered but paper-scissors-stone on the plane journeys will never be the same.
Our Prediction: A fourth straight Premier League win but no joy in Europe. Again.
Key Player: Wayne Rooney. Ronaldo's departure leaves the England star with a hole to fill. Can he finally match his vision, creativity and graft with a load of goals?
Title Odds: 7/4 (Favourites)
Relegation Odds: 2500/1
Prediction: 1st
Last Season's Form
League: 1st
Champions League: Runners-up
FA Cup: Semi-finals
League Cup: Winners
Top League Scorers: Ronaldo 18, Rooney 12, Berbatov 9, Tevez 5,
Discipline: Yellow 63. Red 2.
Team Facts
Nickname: United, Red Devils
Ground: Old Trafford
Capacity: 76, 212
Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA
Fansites
www.redissue.co.uk/
www.manutdtalk.com/
www.redcafe.net/
www.imusa.org/
