With a climatic title race in the English Premier League still fresh in the minds of fans, many will expect the usual round of summer speculation and gossip to begin. True enough, multi-million pound transfer moves have been bandied around. Many will also be eyeing the purse busting measures Manchester City might throw on the world in the coming weeks.

The EPL’s big four could have some concerned looks on their faces as a critical summer awaits them. Manchester United might need the most work despite having enjoyed another successful season defending their league crown and a second successive appearance in the final of European football’s premier competition, the UEFA Champions League.

Beneath the surface though, things might not be going that well for Alex Ferguson and his team. The rumors and unrest surrounding star player Ronaldo refuses to go away. Real Madrid continues to court the player’s attention and he constantly changes his stance over his dedication to the Red Devils too.

The Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez looks set to leave the club despite two seasons of unflinching effort. Fans have already taken him to their hearts and have begged the club to sign him permanently. Unfortunately, the player has been disappointed by the management’s treatment and appears determined to leave.

The club’s record signing Dimitar Berbatov has not settled in well. Fans have started to get on his back despite the manager’s support and insistence that the player would come good. A full season after the summer could make or break the Bulgarian’s time at Old Trafford.

Finally, age is becoming an issue with the more experienced players in the champion’s squad. Players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and even Rio Ferdinand could see further decline in their powers. The new and younger crop of players have much potential but experience is something that cannot be bought with money.

The champions are not the only ones faced with disruptions at all levels. Liverpool again face questions about their financial security. Chelsea have to embark on another spending spree to freshen their playing ranks, while Arsenal will need to finally prove all their potential counts for something in the form of silverware.

For the detractors of English football, this might be good news to them. However, there are teams waiting in the wings to take over if any of the big guns fail to perform, such as Manchester City and Everton. There might be some disruptions ahead, but expect the champions and their challengers to still come good eventually.