Now for the Premier Leagues long summer

For managers, players, fans and everyone connected to a football club, the summer can bring a whole host of emotions. Both excitement and frustration.

Who will your club bring in? What ludicrous amounts of cash will be spent? These are the types on conundrums fans face. Constantly guessing on a daily basis, and often buying into the endless amounts of gossip columns. Yes those that would see each club having a squad of 50+ season upon season.

The board room though is a very different place, weeks of planning often goes into targeting a possible addition. While everyone knows the troubles negotiations can cause. As time drags on, panic buys often become a regular feature. With each fan in the country being able to name a few their club has found.

The people who face the toughest time though, are no dount managers. This is the time of year when they arguably become hero's or zero's. Pre season training camp, friendlies and new additions set up a team for success of failure. While those out of work, think Avram Grant and Carlo Ancelotti, have the added pressure of searching for a job. And getting settled in in no time at all to tackle all these areas.

So come August what will we have encountered? Another Carlos Tevez affair (I agree it is getting very old), massive transfer fees and endless debate no doubt? I can't wait!

United victory could have huge consequences

Yesterday's victory for Manchester United over Chelsea could have a big rippling effect on both sides. The Londoners must now be resigned to a season without a single trophy making it's way into the Stamford Bridge cabinet. A scenario that over the last few weeks we have learned won't please big spending owner Roman Abramovich one bit. Carlo Ancelotti could be on his last legs, despite last seasons double, and a summer of huge spending could be on the cards. Despite January's £70m+ spree.

In the northwest however, Manchester United are on the verge of greatness. Barring a huge collapse Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved his goal with a 19th league title, knocking neighbours and rivals Liverpool off that perch. Something Red Devils fans were ecstatic about as the exited Old Trafford following that 2-1 win.

Despite this massive achievement though, the biggest test is still to come. On Saturday May 28th at Wembley they will come up against the side thought to be the best in the world, Barcelona. A team who are just one point away from securing another league title themselves, and a team for whom Lionel Messi hasn't stopped scoring all season long. Pep Guardiola has led the praise for the soon to be English Champions, but knows he faces one hell of a challenge. If they go into the game fearing the Spaniards United will be obliterated, however if they take the game to them and give no space a double can certainly be achieved.

And after becoming the side to win England's top flight the most times what could be next record for Fergie to try and topple. Well adding a fourth European cup would put them one behind Liverpool's record haul. Now that would rub salt into the wounds and would delight Fergie no end. I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

Fernando Torres showing promise for Chelsea

Since his unprecedented £50m move from Anfield to Stamford Bridge, Fernando Torres hasn't exactly set the world alight with sparkling performances. Indeed the sulky stroppy Spaniard who was on display for much of the season in the northwest appears to have travelled to London. As much as we have heard how much happier he is at Chelsea, and how the dressing room is cheerier, on pitch displays haven't reflected this.

It has also been mooted how it has been well over a year since he showed top form for Liverpool, with people also doubting if he would regain that peak he once reached. On Wednesday's evidence though, things are definitely improving. Despite ultimately ending up on the losing end, his movement, link up play and overall desire seemed back. Even if that final yard of pace was still awry.

At Liverpool, and largely for Atletico Madrid, Torres was the main man. For large periods playing as a lone striker, whilst also being the biggest fish in the pond. Chelsea though is different, he is a big fish amongst other big fish. And that lone striker role he thrived under, could be a thing of the past. With a strike force that also contains Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, who have performed better of late, it is unlikely Carlo Ancelotti will drop them both on a regular basis.

Against Manchester United he once again caused problems for a defence, at times. Off the ball runs were much better, whilst the quick feet and trickery we are all too used too also seemed back. Add this to a shot off the post, and a header expertly saved by Edwin Van Der Sar and the signs look good.

It was always well wide of the mark to suggest he wouldn't get some form back, but if he improves on this the summit of the scoring charts could await next season. Especially if the planned spending spree at Chelsea goes ahead, service and support could be much better. It was all a matter of adapting, and on last nights display it seems to be going well.