It’s a sure bet that Owen Hargreaves will boost Manchester United’s performance next football season. Betting odds will be reduced on United retaining the title next year after yesterday’s announcement that he’s joining them for a cool £17 million That’s a fair amount of money for a player that runs himself into the ground on every performance.

The older generation of football fans and pundits sometimes criticise today’s professionals for lack of effort or commitment because “there’s too much money in the game”. You can’t direct that sort of comment at Hargreaves - he just keeps going until he drops. When he plays for England, it’s the same. He’s not one of the more gifted, naturally talented players in the squad but he is probably at the top when it comes to grit. He’s one player that will be worth every penny that he is paid.

Manchester United fans will be betting that Hargreaves will team up well to feed Rooney and Ronaldo up front and further strengthen the side (as if they needed it!). It will be interesting to see how Chelsea go with their transfer tactics to combat a united side that next year promises to be as strong if not stronger than this year.