Was it really such a big surprise that Manchester United sold Jaap Stam to Lazio?

Look at his flat-footed form at the start of the season.

He was truly awful against Celtic in Ryan Giggs' testimonial, poor against Michael Owen in the Charity Shield and just as shaky in the Premiership opener against Fulham.

Stam was swiftly dropped by Ferguson and told he had slipped down the pecking order.

But the writing was already on the wall for the Dutchman following the serialisation of his book in a tabloid newspaper.

Stam was totally naive to think he could get away with criticising Ferguson and some of his team-mates.

Nobody would dispute that United are vulnerable at the back.

That's why Ferguson tried unsuccessfully to recruit the likes of Lillian Thurman and Bixente Lizarazu during the close season.

Ferguson has already hailed Wes Brown as the best defender in the country.

He believes Brown will steadily grow in stature and become a long-term fixture in the heart of both United's and England's defence.

"He is a man now, and plays like a man. He is an excellent player," said Ferguson of the defender who recovered from a serious injury to finish last season strongly.

After parting with almost �50m to secure the services of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron, Ferguson knew he had to ship somebody out to raise funds to recruit two new defenders.

Stam has been made to look like the scapegoat and selling a player of his calibre when you have defensive frailties is a bold move.

Ferguson is ruthless and did not think Stam was up to the job.

The problem now for Ferguson is getting the new recruits in place quickly and effectively - otherwise things could go pear-shaped at Old Trafford.