Fergie must act quickly in market

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The hangovers have shifted, the clean-up operation is in full swing, the open top bus tour is all arranged and our 20th title now a permanent fixture in our almost-full-to-the-brim trophy cabinet.

With sections of the German media reporting slayer of the Galacticos Robert Lewandowski has agreed a switch to Bayern Munich, and that Radamel Falcao, another supposed Manchester United target, is all but en route to Stamford Bridge, taking a certain Jose Mourinho with him to Chelsea, we are in danger of being left out in the transfer market wilderness, even before the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs often talk about our philosophy of forward thinking, looking ahead to next season as soon as the celebrations have subsided, and now more than ever we cannot rest on our laurels, otherwise our building of a side capable of an all-out assault on Europe’s elite will have to be put on the backburner once again.

It may sound a ridiculous notion to suggest that we thrash out a deal to snap up some of the most sought-after talent in the globe with four games still to play and that points record still well within our sights.

But if we dwell, cruise to the end of the season, lap up the applause and acclaim from rivals and experts alike we may well find ourselves up against it to build on our success of this campaign, at home and on the continent.

The problem is that the majority of the top leagues in Europe have all been settled already, well before the official climax of their respective seasons.

Bayern Munich strolled to the Bundesliga title at a canter, Barcelona have all but wrapped up their 22nd La Liga crown and Juventus, much like last season, are coasting at the top of Serie A.

Die Roten seem keen to cement their position as the force to be reckoned with in Europe after dismantling Barca on Tuesday night, and with Mario Gotze and seemingly Lewandowski already added to their talented squad, the Bavarians will certainly be formidable in 2013/14.

Barcelona may not have the financial clout they once had due to the devastating Spanish ecomonic situation, but they can still attract talent from all corners of the globe.

Juventus have already acquired the services of Fernando Llorente, who was one of the hottest properties before signing a pre-contract with the Old Lady, and still have enough monetary backing to add further to their side.

Then there is the nouveau riche Paris Saint-Germain, with their Qatari hierarchy, who could capture most of the players on their wish list after making giant strides on the European stage, after running the Catalans so close in the quarter finals. And, of course, they pay a lot too!

The oil-rich Russian clubs must not be discounted after their millions have already persuaded the likes of Hulk, Axel Witsel and Willian to join the Russian Premier League last season alone.

Yes we already have the deal wrapped up to sign England starlet Wilfred Zaha, but he is one for the future and isn’t going to be a key player for some years yet.

Although, that being said, between them Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, and Nani have between them contributed (scored or assisted) to only 11 Premier League goals this season, and therefore Zaha may well get his chance sooner rather than later.

Stats like that show there is still a great deal of an improvement to be made to an excellent group of players.

How soon is now a certain mercurial Mancunian entertainer once questioned, and the answer in this case is today.

Get on that plane Fergie to work your cloak and dagger magic you have been so good at over the years, and sabotage Lewandowski’s switch to the Bavarian giants before it’s too late.

As Morrissey so eloquently deliberated, time is of the essence, and our beloved chieftain must set the wheels in motion even quicker than years gone by, and get our transfers dealings concluded sooner rather than later.

How soon is now?

You can find Pete on Twitter @pistolpeteh86