David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid dominated the media for weeks as the England captain finally cut his ties with the English champions.

But Ferguson prefers to look forward rather than back and having decided to accept Madrid's millions clearly believes United will prosper in Beckham's absence.

"A couple of players have gone, Laurent Blanc, David May, and we've brought in three," Ferguson told the Sunday Times.

"We've really got the same squad that won the championship last season."

Beckham played his part in bringing the premier league title to Old Trafford for the eighth time in 11 seasons. But tellingly he was absent from the starting line-up in key games during United's pursuit of domestic and European honours.

Having missed out on Barcelona-bound Ronaldinho, United still have much of the Beckham money -- 25 million pounds ($40.25 million) of it -- to spend.

The sale of Juan Sebastian Veron for 15 million pounds to Chelsea has boosted the coffers further.

Equally worrying for their title rivals, Ferguson believes his side has regained its hunger for success after coming from behind to beat Arsenal to the championship in May.

"We re-invented ourselves by winning the league. We got back to where we were," said the manager, whose own appetite was also sharpened by stepping back from the brink of retirement the season before last.

United have been active in the transfer market with the signings of United States international goalkeeper Tim Howard, Nantes midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba, Brazilian midfielder Kleberson (provided he receives a work permit) and Sunderland youngster David Bellion.

Ferguson concedes that the signing of Ronaldinho would have provided the extra ingredient needed for Champions League success.

An attack-minded player, as well as an extra defender, is therefore likely to remain on the Old Trafford shopping list.

But United will fancy themselves as favourites to retain their domestic crown and to challenge again in Europe.

Howard could take over the number-one jersey and provide the reliability sometimes lacking in Fabien Barthez, while the presence of Djemba Djemba and Kleberson should further drive on talismanic captain Roy Keane and provide adequate competition should injury strike in central midfield.

RUUD HEALTH

Bellion remains one for the future and United's biggest worry is the prospect of an injury to Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman has proved to be one of Ferguson's best-ever buys with 80 goals in two seasons since signing from PSV Eindhoven.

Despite the threat posed in front of goal by Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is earmarked for Beckham's right-sided role, Ferguson admits that Van Nistelrooy is a one-off.

"His form puts him alongside Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Ronaldo in that collection of truly world-class players and being recognised as the best will come as time goes on," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

If Van Nistelrooy stays fit then it is hard to see anyone stopping United in the race for the premier league. Arsenal stole a march last season but could not hold on when it mattered and Ferguson expects his side to start the campaign better this time after a successful pre-season build-up.