FIXTURES AND PLANS FOR 09-10:
United have played six games, travelled more than 16,000 miles and crossed seven time zones over the past fortnight as they have taken their first steps towards adjusting to life without Ronaldo.
The Portuguese forward contributed a staggering 68 goals over his final two seasons at Old Trafford, campaigns in which United scored 119 (2008-09) and 110 (2007-08) goals in all competitions.
Without the 24 year-old, Ferguson concedes that United's tactics must evolve so that the goal scoring burden falls on several shoulders rather than those of just one man.
Despite impressing on the club's tour of the Far East, scoring four goals in four games, the jury is still out on Michael Owen's ability to rediscover his best form.
Dimitar Berbatov is another who must raise his game this season after scoring just 14 goals following his £30.75 million club-record transfer from Tottenham last season.
But while challenging his forwards to increase their goal output, Ferguson admits that there will be a collective responsibility throughout the squad as United aim to become the first club to win four successive league titles.
Ferguson said: "Cristiano is obviously a big loss in terms of the goals he gave us. If we're going to win the league again or do well in Europe, we certainly need players to step up and help fill the gap left by Ronaldo."
A worrying issue for Ferguson will be the lack of pace displayed by Owen and Berbatov during the Audi Cup draw against Bayern Munich. Ronaldo's blistering pace often proved devastating for United.
An increase in the goals from midfield would curtail United's front-line deficiencies -none of whom scored more than four goals last season and must aim for double figures this season.
Owen and Rooney, despite an impressive record of 23 goals in 29 games as a strike-partnership with England, have not played one minute together during United's six pre-season fixtures.
Lets wish the Champions of England for good fortune .....
United have played six games, travelled more than 16,000 miles and crossed seven time zones over the past fortnight as they have taken their first steps towards adjusting to life without Ronaldo.
The Portuguese forward contributed a staggering 68 goals over his final two seasons at Old Trafford, campaigns in which United scored 119 (2008-09) and 110 (2007-08) goals in all competitions.
Without the 24 year-old, Ferguson concedes that United's tactics must evolve so that the goal scoring burden falls on several shoulders rather than those of just one man.
Despite impressing on the club's tour of the Far East, scoring four goals in four games, the jury is still out on Michael Owen's ability to rediscover his best form.
Dimitar Berbatov is another who must raise his game this season after scoring just 14 goals following his £30.75 million club-record transfer from Tottenham last season.
But while challenging his forwards to increase their goal output, Ferguson admits that there will be a collective responsibility throughout the squad as United aim to become the first club to win four successive league titles.
Ferguson said: "Cristiano is obviously a big loss in terms of the goals he gave us. If we're going to win the league again or do well in Europe, we certainly need players to step up and help fill the gap left by Ronaldo."
A worrying issue for Ferguson will be the lack of pace displayed by Owen and Berbatov during the Audi Cup draw against Bayern Munich. Ronaldo's blistering pace often proved devastating for United.
An increase in the goals from midfield would curtail United's front-line deficiencies -none of whom scored more than four goals last season and must aim for double figures this season.
Owen and Rooney, despite an impressive record of 23 goals in 29 games as a strike-partnership with England, have not played one minute together during United's six pre-season fixtures.
Lets wish the Champions of England for good fortune .....
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