Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to spin Old Trafford´s revolving door this summer after Manchester United´s latest Champions League failure against Real Madrid.
Ferguson - who famously dumped Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis after the 1995 FA Cup Final defeat against Everton - is ready for another re-shuffle.
And the names being touted as potential casualties of the latest cull include the biggest of them all, England captain David Beckham.
He is not alone in being at the centre of speculation that he is heading for the Old Trafford exit.
And to add to the intrigue, the list of possible replacements is growing by the day.
So who is realistically going to leave Manchester United - and who is really going to arrive?
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THROUGH THE OLD TRAFFORD EXIT?
FABIEN BARTHEZ
Barthez may have penned his Old Trafford suicide note with his eccentric display against Real Madrid.
Fooled by Figo´s goal in the first leg and then beaten at his near post by Ronaldo in the second game.
Big-match temperament must also be questioned after he was rattled enough to inexplicably handle the ball outside his area in The Bernabeu - an offence for which he was lucky to escape a red card.
VERDICT: OUT
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DAVID BECKHAM
Despite the current misguided suggestion that Sir Alex Ferguson would fly Beckham to Real Madrid to see him off the premises, this is one of the most difficult decisions of his managerial career.
Beckham faces uncertain future
Ferguson will not consider the potential loss of shirt sales when he decides Beckham´s future - if he was driven by marketing and merchandising he might as well make a bid for Kylie Minogue.
He must decide whether he can compensate for the loss of Beckham - and use the money for overall team strengthening.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proved a very capable replacement on the right-flank.
Ferguson has not avoided the big decisions in the past.
If he decides Beckham should be cashed in expect him to be ruthless and ignore the feelings of Old Trafford´s bean counters.
And if an offer in the region of £30m comes in - no sensible manager could refuse.
VERDICT: OUT ( IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT)
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LAURENT BLANC
Mystifying signing by Ferguson in the wake of Jaap Stam´s hurried departure.
A great player - but not by the time he got to Old Trafford and has almost been a permanent spectator this season.
VERDICT: OUT.
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ROY KEANE
Keane´s low-key performances against Real underscored the fears that injuries mean a Manchester United legend is no longer the driving force he was.
But no other player reflects his managers philosophy like Keane - and it is fair bet Ferguson feels there is plenty for fire left in the Irishman´s furnace.
VERDICT: STAYING
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RYAN GIGGS
Giggs has long been linked with a move to Inter Milan - but the Italian giants are not the big spenders of old.
Giggs has just become a father, has insisted he does not want to leave Manchester United, and has maybe passed the part of his career when he would be a big draw for Italy´s finest.
He has also undergone a recent resurgence in form and remains one of Ferguson´s favourite sons.
VERDICT: STAYING
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OLD TRAFFORD ARRIVALS?
PAUL ROBINSON
Leeds United´s outstanding goalkeeper is a better bet than Barthez in all respects.
He is younger, better - and with Leeds still under pressure financially the price will not be prohibitive at about £8m.
Arsenal have been linked with Robinson as they seek a replacement for David Seaman, but word on the grapevine is that Old Trafford is a more likely destination.
VERDICT: IN
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PAVEL NEDVED
Juventus´s Czech Republic international midfielder has been a long-time target for Ferguson - and his name has re-surfaced after the Champions League exit.
But he is 31 in August, and with Keane, Juan Sebastian Veron and Paul Scholes already at Old Trafford, it is difficult to know where he would fit into Ferguson´s long-term game-plan.
VERDICT: NO DEAL
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RONALDINHO
Mercurial Brazil talent best remembered for his World Cup quarter-final winner against England - but suffering a season of frustration at Paris St Germain.
May be on Ferguson´s hit-list, but he may explore options nearer home first.
VERDICT: NO DEAL.
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HARRY KEWELL
The Leeds fire sale may also claim Kewell - and with the Australian still negotiating a new contract the cash-strapped Yorkshire club will not want talks to drag on much longer.
If the price drops as low as the reported £6m, expect Ferguson to be tempted.
VERDICT: IN.
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DAMIEN DUFF
Duff is a hot property - and it may be a straight summer fight between Liverpool and United for the Republic of Ireland winger.
He is a talent, but the supposed £15m asking price may be too much for a player who already suffers from the injury all players of blistering pace dread - hamstring problems.
VERDICT: NO DEAL.
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JERMAIN DEFOE
Defoe has been outstanding in West Ham´s struggles this season - and is almost certain to be sold of the Hammers are relegated.
Pacy and powerful for such a small man, possesses an eye for goal that would make him the ideal partner for the over-burdened Ruud van Nistelrooy.
If he leaves West Ham, do not expect Manchester United to be left behind in the chase.
VERDICT: IN.
