Changes are underway at Old Trafford as the summer transfer window picks up steam. Here’s a look at the news and notes surrounding Manchester United as the 2012-2013 Premier League season draws near

Three clubs are currently in pursuit of Arsenal’s Robin van Persie: Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus. The defending Serie A champions are regarded as the favorites to land van Persie, which doesn’t surprise me. Arsenal probably isn’t looking to sell their star forward to either of their Manchester rivals, and it makes sense for them to ship him out of the Premier League altogether.

Furthermore, I wonder if Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to shell out the cash needed to purchase van Persie. He’s been operating on a budget for years now, and even though adding Robin van Persie would be huge for the club, I’m not sure that Alex Ferguson can afford him. Manchester United still has holes in the midfield and the back line. It will be interesting to see what Ferguson does here.

Manchester United Transfer News: Nani in contract negotiations

I guess the experts who speculated that Nani was on his way out of Old Trafford earlier this year can finally admit they were wrong. The winger is currently negotiating a new contract with the club, and it appears likely that he’ll be wearing a Manchester United kit for the foreseeable future.
I’m not sure how I feel about Nani getting an extension. I rarely get frustrated with players, but there are times when Nani makes me want to pull my hair out. His tendency to take poor shots and ignore open teammates is unnerving. However, Nani is also one of the most naturally gifted players on the team. It’s hard to let that kind of talent leave the club, especially when he wants to stay with Manchester United. I just hope that Nani will mature as his career moves forward. If he does, then I believe he can become one of the best wingers in the world.

Manchester United Transfer News: Park Ji-Sung on his way to Queens Park Rangers

It’s hard to say goodbye to a player who has been a complete professional for Manchester United over the years. Yet it was time for Park Ji-Sung to move on. He struggled in his limited outings with the club in 2011-2012, and with the team beginning a youth movement, Park wasn’t going to see much time on the pitch this year. His move to QPR makes sense because it gives the club a solid player who will help stabilize their rather unsettled midfield. I hope Park does well in London; he deserves a chance to prove that he can still play in the Premier League.

[adrotate banner=”53″]