Change is coming at Man Utd

Ronaldinho is expected to finally seal his £19m (€27.4m) move from Paris St Germain to Manchester United this week – with Alex Ferguson desperately hoping the Brazilian enjoys more success than his previous two South American imports.

News is filtering out of Old Trafford that Juan Sebastian Veron is set to leave for Chelsea, while Real Betis’ claim Diego Forlan has been offered as a makeweight in United’s bid to take midfielder Joaquim.

That offers a conclusive verdict on the impact of two men Ferguson invested over £35m (€50.5m) in.

Forlan remains a popular figure among the Red Devils support, if only for the gutsy way he overcame a run of 27 matches without a goal after his arrival from Independiente.

Veron though is a different matter. Never has anyone doubted the Argentinian’s ability but his performances have been lacklustre.

Ferguson himself launched a vicious tirade at questioning journalists at the end of the midfielder’s first season at the club when it was suggested he was the main reason why United had lost their title to Arsenal.

Even though there was no marked improvement in his Premiership performances last term, the 26-year-old appeared to be a key component in Ferguson’s Champions League strategy.

With David Beckham’s departure and the arrival of Ronaldinho apparently signalling a change in Ferguson’s tactical strategy, Veron had been expected to play a major part in United’s push for honours at home and abroad.

Yet when the first decent bid has come in, the champions appear to have snapped it up, leaving Claudio Ranieri with the problem of adapting Veron’s exceptional passing skills to the cut and thrust of domestic combat.

Coming so soon after Beckham’s departure, it is inconceivable Ferguson would have allowed the deal to go through if he had not been assured of Ronaldinho’s arrival, despite Real Madrid’s late push to snatch the player.

There must also be the likelihood of more arrivals before the season opens, in addition to American goalkeeper Tim Howard, whose signature should be secured today once the formalities of his medical have been completed.

An experienced defender was hinted at by Ferguson at the end of last season and talk of a bid for Juventus’ Lilian Thuram has again been mentioned, in addition to a move for Joaquim.

At least the conclusion of Ronaldinho’s move should settle a few nerves among the United faithful, who have been startled by Chelsea’s financially-driven surge to title contenders and Harry Kewell’s curt rebuttal on the basis that their club is a declining force.

As ever in the fickle world of football, the fans need a sure sign disaster is not lurking around the corner.