Ferguson has already revealed his intention to play midfielder Michael Carrick in central defence while another midfielder, Darren Fletcher, seems certain to occupy a defensive berth too.
Wenger had just introduced Nicklas Bendtner for Ramsey - replacing another midfielder with a striker - when Clichy lost possession to Mulumbu and Almunia did the rest.
When Beckham left in 2003, he had his eye on another young midfielder, Ronaldo.
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It was another Everton midfielder, Carsley, who came closest to scoring in the first half when his powerful shot crashed against the post.
Swansea have already lost Andy Robinson to Leeds since winning the League One title and the Liberty Stadium side do not want to lose another influential midfielder on the cheap.
Another gifted Germany midfielder, Hertha Berlin's Sebastian Deisler, is doubtful with a thigh muscle injury he sustained just after recovering from knee surgery.
Telford are without another cup-tied midfielder Phil Trainer, who is also unavailable after playing for Oxford earlier in the competition.
Thomas Hitzlsperger had the first shot with a ninth-minute free-kick, blocked by Deco, and the Stuttgart midfielder lashed another left-footed effort goalwards moments later which rippled Ricardo's side-netting.
Arsenal have suffered another injury blow with midfielder Alex Song ruled out with a knee problem, joining captain Cesc Fabregas, France defender William Gallas and Russia forward Andrei Arshavin on the sidelines.
Substitute Son Heung-min hit the post in the 64th minute but finally made it 4-1 with nine to play with a fierce shot that went in off the underside of the bar -- but the midfielder saw another effort rebound off the woodwork.
Irish debutant Conor Henderson - another ball-playing midfielder - probed for a gap through the back-line and the 19-year-old's deflected pass was pounced on by Tomas Rosicky, who sped to the byeline to clip a square ball through the legs of Charlie Daniels across the box.
Muntari took offense when Rocchi booked Balotelli in the first half, and was ordered off after trying to prevent the referee from issuing another yellow card when the midfielder protested the decision.
Midfielder Keith Lasley is another experienced player who has not featured in the starting line-up much this season and was on the bench against Hearts.
Jamie Ward pulled a goal back for the Rams with a fine free-kick and on-loan Tottenham midfielder Tom Carroll pulled another back deep into stoppage time.
Peter Wright, whose career began at Newcastle United, is a prolific striker, while ex-Southport midfielder Lee Mulvaney is another potential threat to an Altrincham side that is struggling near the foot of the Blue Square Premier.
They also signed another United this week, Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans, younger brother of Jonny, on an initial six-month loan deal.
Fifth-placed Aston Villa moved level with Tottenham on 26 points after winning 3-0 at home to Hull, who lost influential midfielder Jimmy Bullard to yet another knee injury.
Bell had to make another good block from Jennings as the Motherwell midfielder powered into the penalty box to gather a cute lay-off from Murphy.
Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey did brilliantly to race out and block Mata's strike after a delightful first-time Torres pass, and defender Richard Stearman then did enough to put off Lampard with the midfielder poised to shoot home following another astute Torres through-ball.
The England international midfielder, following his radio row on Friday experienced another hostile reception at his former club, inevitably fired in a few shots.
After the break, a cleverly worked corner gave Gardner another sight of goal as the ball ricocheted to him but the Blues midfielder's snapshot from 12 yards went straight into the arms of keeper Edwin van der Sar.
Midfielder Henry's previous deal ran until 2013 while Stearman had another 18 months on his contract.
Another Imrie corner found Mensing in a scoring position but on this occasion the midfielder nodded wide.
Bury were another team to fall short of the play-offs but their captain, midfielder Stephen Dawson will be playing in League One next season anyway after agreeing to join Leyton Orient and I'm sure he will fit right in.
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