Manchester United fans, so used to seeing a gum-chewing Alex Ferguson, will have to get used to a life beyond the great Scot.
When Manchester United launch their EPL title defence at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City on August 17, the 20-time winners will be stepping into a new era. United fans, so used to seeing a gum-chewing Alex Ferguson shouting instructions from the bench, will have to get used to a life beyond the great Scot.
Twenty-seven years is a long time. Ferguson was not just another manager. He was a towering personality who commanded respect from one and all. His unrelenting desire to succeed was infectious.
United's rivals will be hoping to catch them off-guard, and there lies new-manager David Moyes's challenge. The former Everton coach needs to ensure that United players make a smooth transition from the Ferguson period to a new era that holds out a lot of promise.
First things first: United need to make a good start. As if the scrutiny of the ever-demanding fans and the constant comparison with his illustrious predecessor were not enough, Moyes has been handed a tough start.
Swansea will be tricky customers on their home turf, followed by an early showdown with Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at Old Trafford. Next up will be an away game against Liverpool, while Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City will host the Red Devils on Sep 22 with a home tie against Crystal Palace sandwiched in between. Add to that a Champions League group league match in between. Moyes surely has his hands full.
United have won, lost and drawn games on their pre-season tour of Asia and the Far East - not been the best way to prepare for a new season but Moyes has the Community Shield match against Wigan on Sunday as the final tune-up tie. He is likely to employ the 4-4-1-1 formation, with either Wayne Rooney or Shinji Kagawa or Danny Welbeck playing just behind first-choice striker Robin van Persie.
Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley will be pulling the strings in the midfield while Nani/Valencia and Ashley Young will man the wings. Young Wilfried Zaha, who has been impressive in pre-season, may also get a look in.
Rafael, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand/Phil Jones and Patrice Evra form the experienced defence with David de Gea under the bar. Moyes has hardly excelled in the transfer market. His pursuit of Barca starlet Thiago Alacantara and big-fish Cesc Fabregas clearly suggests that he is keen to bolster the midfield.
However, with both moves failing to yield results, the manager has now turned his attention towards Everton's Marouane Fellaini. Moyes's biggest challenge, however, is keeping or selling Rooney.
If United manage to hold on to Rooney, Moyes will have to get the best out of his one-time ward. And if Rooney insists on leaving, Moyes has to not only bring in a top class replacement but also ensure that the new arrival matches the England striker's charisma and fan following.
Cristiano Ronaldo will fit the bill nicely if Rooney goes. Moyes will need Ferguson's influence on the Real Madrid superstar as well as the Glazer family's millions to pull off this unlikely coup.
The Scot had done exceedingly well at Everton. But this is a different challenge and it's for him to show that he can also succeed at a big club. Fergie time is over at United, it's a new and intriguing season ahead for them.
TRANSFER UPDATE
Money spent: £2.5m euros
BOUGHT
Guillermo Valera
The Uruguayan from Penarol has so far been the only Old Trafford entrant. The 20-year-old right-back is understood to be joining for an initial fee of £1million, with the value of the deal potentially rising to £2.5m.
TARGETS
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Real Madrid superstar is a big target only in case Wayne Rooney insists on leaving. Moyes will have to break the bank in order to lure the Portuguese winger away from Bernabeu.
Cesc Fabregas
It looks increasingly unlikely that United will be able to cajole the Barcelona midfielder away with Fabregas insisting on Thursday that he wants to stay at the Catalan club, dealing a major blow to United's hopes of signing the former Arsenal star. Barca have rejected two bids from United so far.
Leighton Baines & Marouane Fellaini
Moyes is trying to snap up Everton left-back Leighton Baines for £18 million and trigger Marouane Fellaini's £22 million release clause. Moyes worked with Fellaini and Baines at Goodison Park, having signed the former for £15m from Standard Liege in 2008 and the latter for £6m from Wigan Athletic in 2007.
FAILED BID
Thiago Alcantara
Barcelona's La Masia product ditched United and joined hands with his former boss Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
IN A MESS
Wayne Rooney
United have rejected two bids from Chelsea, but it is unlikely that Blues manager Jose Mourinho will give up his pursuit of the unsettled England striker. The Rooney deal is likely to go down to the wire.
United stars who can make a difference
Robin van Persie
Simply put, Van Persie was the reason United won the EPL trophy last season. To score 29 goals in a debut season is remarkable. Fittingly, it was his hat-trick - including one goal with a stunning volley - against Aston Villa that clinched the title. The Dutchman made such an impact in his very first season at Old Trafford that Alex Feguson touted him as the next Eric Cantona.
Wilfred Zaha
The talented winger returns to Old Trafford after his loan spell at Crystal Palace ended. Zaha joined United after helping Palace earn promotion to the Premier League. The winger has got pace, skills on the ball and can put pressure on Valencia to earn a place in the first XI. He has already impressed Rio Ferdinand, who has gone on to say that Zaha could be the star to watch out for.
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican, a reported transfer target for La Liga side Valencia, has been frustrated at his lack of starts this past season, but continued to score crucial goals in the context of the title race, notably the winner in a 3-2 victory at Chelsea and a 90th-minute winner in a 4-3 thriller against Newcastle on Boxing Day. He's at his best as an impact player coming off the bench, although United may face a battle to retain him.
David De Gea
The young Spaniard - who was written off by pundits in his first season - endured a tough initiation into the media madness and physicality of the Premier League with some marvellous saves undermined by some calamitous gaffes. But last season he played with relentless consistency, commanded his area with greater authority and continued to produce some superb saves. Alex Ferguson reckons 2013-14 will be the watershed season for the goalkeeper
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