The way things look right now is favorable to us actually, because RVP still did not move. If he doesn't move, and barring any long term injuries to important players like RVP and Vermaelen, i think we'd be competitive and finish in the top 3. We have to keep RVP though, I still think though, even if we don't keep RVP, we're still a better team than Pool
Btw, as things are now, who do you people think have the best squads in the EPL?
I see a lot of people underrating Chelsea's squad, but I think Chelsea's squad is better than United's to be honest. Especially when you take into account the kind of depth they have.
In defense they have Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, D.Luiz and Ashley Cole. I would say that is slightly better than Rafael, Vidic, Rio, Evans, Smalling, Jones and Evra. That is debatable i'd say, as its pretty close.
In midfield, Chelsea has Mikel, Meireles, Lampard, Essien and Ramires. They have more depth in central midfield than any team in the EPL imo. That is much better than what United have: Cleverly, Carrick, Giggs, Anderson and co.
Attacking midfield, i think United have more quality and depth in Nani, Young, Kagawa and Valencia. That is slightly better than Mata, Hazard, Marin, Oscar and Malouda.
United have Rooney, Berbatov, Chicharito and Welbeck in attack, while Chelsea have Torres and Lukaku. Torres is better than everyone there barring Rooney, but United have more depth anyway, so United are probably better in attack.
Chelsea have the better keeper in Cech, so i think all in all, Chelsea have the better squad.
City of course trump everyone in terms of squad quality and depth. I'd say with our signings, we've moved to being the fourth best squad in the league.