Sir Alex Ferguson stayed true to his pledge that he would not splash the cash to bring in a top player to Manchester United, because he has great confidence in his side.
United supporters have been calling all summer for Sir Alex to bring in a player to replace the departed Cristiano Ronaldo or strengthen the midfield, but the Scot has decided against that.
The United boss has brought in five players this summer transfer window, Antonio Valencia (Wigan), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Sean McGinty (Charlton), Gabriel Obertan (Bordeaux) and Mame Biram Diouf (Molde), to strengthen his side.
He has taken a huge gamble on some lesser, unknown players in Obertan and Diouf, but his biggest surprise of all this summer was the capture of former Liverpool legend, Michael Owen. Owen was a Kop Legend and has not been able to keep a clean bill of health over recent seasons, but with an incentive-laden contract in place there is no real gamble on the former England star.
Out
United have seen more big name players leave than arrive for the first time a very, very long time. Carlos Tevez (end of loan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland), Richard Eckersley (Burnley), Manucho (Real Valladolid) have left the green pastures of Old Trafford.
Wrong
The recent big money moves of Real Madrid and Manchester City have increased the values of players, and Ferguson is sticking to his guns about not over paying for a player.
There was interested in Karim Benzema, but Lyon's asking price was higher than United's valuation for the player, and the 21-year old joined Madrid for around £35.2 million.
Another player that interested the United supporters was Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery. Ribery would have been seen as a direct replacement for Ronaldo, because of his creativity and ability to take on defenders. Munich were reluctant to sell, and has stood firm fighting off both Real Madrid and United enquiries for the Frenchman.
Staying
A few of United players, Michael Carrick, Anderson and Gary Neville, were linked with moves away from Old Trafford, but they did not move and will stay at United to fight for positions.
Carrick has shone well since joining from Tottenham in the summer of 2006, but reports in the tabloids suggest that he has recently had a falling out with the gaffer. He has been instrumental addition to United's midfield and since his arrival the Reds have landed seven major trophies.
Carrick has only featured in two matches this season, but he will continue to compete with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Anderson for a starting position in the center of United midfield.
Anderson being in the same boat as Carrick, has also been report to have a riff with Sir Alex about his lack of playing time. The young Brazilian has been out of favor because of the resurgence of Fletcher, and his patience seems to be wearing thin.
The 21-year old midfielder is yet to find the back of the net for the Reds, but he has shone potential to be the eventual successor to Scholes.
Neville, who is the United captain, has been linked with a move to join up with his brother, Phil, at Everton. The long-serving United skipper is a Red through and through, and it would take something dramatic to see him end his Old Trafford career.
Sir Alex Ferguson has always been a great judge of character, and the supporters will have to rely on their trust in him to remain confident of a fruitful season.
