4. Manchester United
Appeal: Champions League, huge contract, possible extended success. Negatives: Will they catch city? Few marquee signings. Man Utd need an eye-catching, 30-goal-a-season striker if they are going to catch Man City this year - it was arguably that missing element that cost them points last year, and the addition of a killer instinct type player to round out the strike force that currently includes Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Wellbeck (as well as soon-to-leave Dimitar Berbatov) would go some way to stopping the power shift towards the blue half of Manchester. United must also be wary of Chelsea who may have finished a lowly 6th last year, but who are investing heavily, and seem intent on rebuilding what was an aging squad with focus on young, pacey attacking players who will bring a Spanish-like style of play, and with any luck, greater success this coming season. To keep their noses in front of Chelsea, United need to make a statement signing - like the acquisition of Eric Cantona back at the start of the 90s - something that shows that they are still the most attractive team in the country, because they will otherwise face an uphill struggle in the marketing war with City. Van Persie should stay in the Premier League, and if he wants to win silverware, as well as play as much first team football as humanly possible, he should sign for Sir Alex.