Why are they saying 'no' to Fergie?

Veron's move to United is now in grave doubt

By BBC Sport Online's Andrew Warshaw

First Kieron Dyer looked certain to join from Newcastle but nothing happened.

Then Argentine ace Juan Veron was due to fly in for a cool £24m - but instead faces a lengthy ban over an Italian passport scandal.

Everything, they say, comes in threes and now French World Cup star Lilian Thuram has also said "non" to Manchester United and has opted for Juventus.

I had to choose Juventus because they are the best club there is

  Lilian Thuram

Suddenly United, the best marketed club in the world with arguably the biggest fan base, are missing out on football's top names.

The start of the new football season may still be two months away, but allowing such quality players to slip through their fingers will not be lost on the United faithful.

They will know from previous summers that this is a crucial time for squad building.

Indeed, one of the secrets for United's domination of the Premiership has been their determination not to stand still in the transfer market.

So it must have been a body blow to the Old Trafford hierarchy when Thuram dug the knife in after rejecting a move from Parma.

"It was very easy to choose," the 28-year-old international fullback was quoting as saying on Tuesday. "I spoke with my team-mates and other people and asked their advice.

"I had to choose Juventus because they are the best club there is. They can help me satisfy my hunger to win trophies."

Thuram believes Juventus are bigger than United

Thuram's words, in some respects, defy belief. Does he really think that Juventus, both domestically and in Europe, have a better chance of success than Ferguson's team?

Just compare the current state of Italian football with the Premiership. A couple of years ago, Juventus would have been an obvious bet. But now?

Money is surely at the heart of Thuram's decision, as it is with so many big-name internationals.

United, like other English clubs, have strict wage structures, not the best way to attract top stars at their peak.

Thuram's decision will no doubt be lauded by all those who are fed up with United's domination of English football.

Gifted players

Clearly, Ferguson's side are not as big as they think they are.

If Ruud van Nistelrooy ends up being their only summer signing, questions will begin to be asked about the future, especially now that Teddy Sheringham has returned to his roots at Spurs.

Ferguson's decision to throw in the managerial towel next May must be a worry for any Old Trafford newcomer signing a long contract.

But, ultimately, will it matter?

Arsenal may have signed Francis Jeffers and be on the verge of acquiring Giovanni van Bronckhorst, two gifted players who will certainly help close the gap on United.

But look around Europe and there are perhaps only three clubs - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich - who will start next season with as fearsome a reputation as the men from Manchester.

Not only that. Van Nistelrooy may be the only newcomer at this stage but there are still dozens of deals to be done before it all starts again.

But, whoever comes in or whoever says no, have a look at how many times United are beaten in the first couple of months of the season.

Only then can anyone begin to talk about the bubble bursting.