While the Ruud Van Nistelrooy transfer saga continues with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in a tug of war over the Dutch striker, Manchester United fans should be genuinely concerned about United’s inability to sign anyone. In fact, they’re the only Premiership side so far this summer who hasn’t signed a player.

United needs to make 2-3 critical signings between now and the end of August. United desperately needs a holding midfielder, a right winger and a striker to replace Van Nistelrooy. Sure, Louis Saha will be able to step in and do well, but it’s a very long season especially with the Champion’s League, so United will need cover for the Rooney and Saha partnership up front.

Looking ahead to the Premiership, United has an easy start to the season in August with matches against Fulham (home), Charlton (away), and Watford (away).

But the Red Devils will be in serious trouble in September. So much so that Sir Alex Ferguson’s job could be on the line during the Fall/Autumn.

Here’s who United will face in September: Spurs (home), Arsenal (home), Reading (away) and Newcastle (home). While the match against Reading could be tricky, the fixtures against Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle will be a true test of the character of the Manchester side. The only saving grace is that all three of those matches are at home.

There’s still plenty of time for United to bring in some players before the transfer window closes, but it will soon be a race against time if United continues to dawdle.