we only used Rooney there for 2 games when even Carrick wasn't available. Hardly overused. That's what using the squad depth means.

Well, SAF resisted the urge to bring anyone in despite Hargreaves and Saha out for half/most seasons in the past. He might well do the same here.

Carrick-Giggs/Jones/Gibson. Now that the news have settled down, it isn't as bad looking. Park and Rooney can cover there a few games. And we'll  have Cleverley and Ando back in the coming two months. It's not perfect, but it's not the end of the world. Could definitely do with another addition though, but it's not easy to find and attempt to get the right players in January.

In 05/06 it was similar. Keane left midway in the 1st half of that season. We got knocked out of the CL in the group stage. Scholes got that eye problem and had to rest for half a season. And we had to rely on O'Shea-Giggs for the remaining of that season with Fletcher that time only useful in the big games. We end up 2nd in the league but had the most points looking at games in that 2nd half of that season. We have better and more options to choose from this time around. I could well see SAF doing nothing about it. It's not because of his ego/pride, but he trusts his players and circumstances surrounding January transfers is not ideal.

Compare both players financially

merchandise revenue + malaysian market - transfer fee - maintenance fee (wages)

surely fakri's buying will do better 

tapau sekali dengan boaz salossa surely will do wonder for shirt's selling