@ Rentboy - I'll skip the penalty incident as I disagree on that one, but don't think it's worth discussing. Since Fergie left we've only had 5 penalties I believe in 2 seasons, so I'm totally with you on him having an influence back when we were a big club.
To the 'how to be successful' post - you're definitely on to something with stability and risk taking. As you noted, basically Bayern are guaranteed to finish in the top 2 in Germany so can take a risk on certain players (Alaba is a great example) but it's also worth noting they've purchased very good players from the number 2 team consistently - which is the whole weaken your enemy while you strengthen philosphy. Also, Neuer, Lewandowski, Robben, Ribery, Alcantara, Martinez etc are crucial to the team and all bought in as 'star' signings.
Barca had a bit of a 'class of 92' thing going but that is faded now imo. They've bought Neymar, Suarez and Rakitic in the passed 2 seasons, and tbh that's going to make any team pretty unbelievable.
That leaves Chelsea, PSG, City and Madrid - all of whom have been able to basically buy 'peak' players at huge expense. Juve is the outlier, but again, have no domestic competition so can develop a bit. But they've done really well in the CL finally this year.
Anyway, in England it's fascinating - the two teams with the fewest 'homegrown' players to feature this season are Chelsea and City. And lo and behold, they'll finish top 2. I found it hilarious how much praise Jose was getting from pundits on Sunday when he gave a start to Loftus-Cheek. That's like praising an alcoholic for going a day without a beer!
I just fear the only 'answer' to winning the premier league is to spend and spend big. United have the highest wage bill in the league this year - though I doubt that'll happen next year when we lose a bunch of players and Falcao - and even that didn't manage. City needs a healthy amount of investment, and Chelsea basically didn't have injuries to derail them this year - can't rely on that.
Arsenal are in a weird place. Every season they have a period of being the best team in the country, but never manage to do it for 38 matches. There are moments when they play the best football, but typically over winter they have a crap period. I'd love to think they can win the league with their squad - and their first XI on its day is amazing - but I'm not sure. And where does Wenger take them from here?
Final point on rambling things - strikers are going to be in hot demand this summer. Chelsea need a Costa backup/partner. United desperately need a young starter. Liverpool need one even more. City need an Aguero backup too.
And there isn't really a 'top' choice out there that I see.