Manchester United

It means United will set off in pursuit of a record 20th domestic title without one of Luka Modric and Samir Nasri of Tottenham and Arsenal respectively, as well as top summer target Wesley Sneijder from Internazionale (West Brom 9/2, draw 11/4, Man United 1/2 – match prices).

The news will disappoint the match-going Stretford End faithful desperate to be moved out of their seats akin to when a flash and young Cristiano Ronaldo first lit up Old Trafford on his debut against Bolton close to a decade ago.

It will also mean United will almost certainly be caught short when it comes to closing the gap on Barcelona at Europe’s top table (Barcelona 2/1 – Champions League 2011/12 Outright).

Ferguson explained: “We lost five players in their 30s this summer. That helped finance the three younger players – Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea – I have brought to the club.”

He added: “At this moment, I can’t see another addition. The type of player we might have been looking for is not available. I am happy with the players I have got at this moment in time.”

United were humbled by the all-conquering Catalans for the second time in three seasons in May in the final of Europe’s elite club competition. It was a one-sided game in which Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia and Ji-Sung Park were cruelly exposed.

How Ferguson would have loved for Scholes at his peak to have squared up against Camp Nou maestro Xavi – and it is the gap he leaves which is certain to cause the game’s longest-serving manager his biggest headache.

Players of Scholes’ undisputed class are once-in-a-generation types, which makes the fact that Ferguson is now likely to close the purse strings – with options available – all the more frustrating.

Modric, Nasri and Sneijder are all game-breakers with the rare talent of controlling matches at the highest level in a role which Scholes mastered with distinction.

All three would surely have surely flourished at the peak of their careers under Ferguson’s stewardship, in the same way Eric Cantona needed a stage to showcase his talents.

The Scot has made no secret of his frustration that United have not won more Champions League trophies – and without a creative lynchpin, the wait could go on.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.