Free the United four: The striking future

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Age 27, joined United July 1996, from Molde for £1.5 million. Arguably one of the unluckiest strikers in England, Solskjaer would surely be a first choice at every other club in the Premiership. After scoring the winner in the European Cup final, might have thought United would give him more opportunities. The classic squad player, highly valued by Ferguson, not even his recent 27th birthday seems to have given Solskjaer itchy feet.

Andy Cole

Age 28, joined United January 1995, from Newcastle United for £6 million. The new issue of United's club magazine has a picture of Cole on the front and the headline: "Why My Best Is Yet To Come" but after the signing of van Nistelrooy a graffiti artist could add: "Somewhere Else." Despite his longevity and success at United, Cole is vulnerable. Had Ferguson been able to buy Patrick Kluivert two years ago he said openly that Kluivert-Yorke would have been the pair. Cole has survived and has 22 goals this season. Linked to Spurs.

Teddy Sheringham

Age 34, joined United July 1997, from Tottenham for £3.5 million. Out of contract in June and stalling over signing a new extension, van Nistelrooy may confirm in his mind that it is time to move on and get one last large signing-on fee. Always guaranteed hero status for his equaliser in Barcelona, Sheringham has just four goals this season. Sheringham and Cole do not speak to each other. But one looks due to be saying goodbye. Sheringham has offers from Spain according to agent.

Dwight Yorke

Age 28, joined United August 1998, from Aston Villa for £12.6 million. Of the quartet of United strikers, Yorke is the one not under threat from the arrival of van Nistelrooy. Ferguson's first choice centre-forward, Yorke won the Treble in his first Old Trafford season. He scored 17 goals in the Premiership then and has reached that mark again this season. Disappointing against Real Madrid, but a certainty to stay for a long time.