Players in: Rio Ferdinand (Leeds, £30m); Luke Steele (Peterborough, £500,000).

Players out: Dwight Yorke (Blackburn, £2m); Paul Rachubka (Charlton, £200,000); Raimond van der Gouw (West Ham, free); Ronnie Wallwork (West Bromwich Albion, free); Nick Culkin (Queens Park Rangers, free); Denis Irwin (Wolves, free); Ronny Johnsen (released).

Last season: Third

This season's odds: 11-10

Player to watch: Juan Sebastian Veron

Our verdict - Champions
A rare trophyless season has left United smarting but the addition of £30m man Rio Ferdinand and a summer clearout at Old Trafford proves Sir Alex Ferguson means business this time. Ferdinand should fix United's creaking defence, while all eyes will be on Juan Sebastian Veron, who could shine this season having had time to find his Premiership feet.