Changes Are Afoot for United

Ownership, Coach And Adu's Future Among Key Issues

After a final gathering this week at RFK Stadium, D.C. United's players will head their separate ways for what will amount to a 10-week break. By the time they return in January, things could look quite different on and off the field.

A new investment group might be running the club and a new stadium could be closer to reality. Their coach is likely to remain the same, but a new South American forward may very well be added to the roster.

Three or four current players will probably be dropped and the team's teenage star might finally have his European dreams come true.

There will be a significant international tournament for which to prepare several weeks before the start of the MLS season, and two other trips in the works.

Here's a look at United's key offseason questions:

· Who's in Charge, Part I?: Brian Davis, a former Duke basketball player with local roots and a growing real estate development portfolio, said he is part of an investment group that is purchasing United's operating rights from Colorado billionaire Phil Anschutz for $33 million.

If the deal is finalized, do not expect changes in the way the club is run. However, it should help accelerate the stadium project at Poplar Point in Anacostia. With new investors lined up and control of the land close to being transferred from federal to city control, District and team officials are optimistic about a grand opening in 2009.

· Who's in Charge, Part II?: Following Sunday's season-ending loss to the New England Revolution, Coach Peter Nowak shared some thoughts about next season's team, even though his contract expires next month. Saying he "unequivocally" wants Nowak to return for what would be a club-record fourth season, United President Kevin Payne plans to meet with Ron Waxman, Nowak's agent, in the next week or two.

Nonetheless, the Polish-born coach will consider his options. What are those options? A source close to the situation said Nowak has attracted interest from a European club.

If Nowak were to leave, assistant Tom Soehn would become a top candidate to replace him. But with Kansas City in search of a coach and Dallas expected to dump Colin Clarke, Soehn could end up elsewhere.

· Who's Going?: Freddy Adu, 17, said serious discussions concerning a transfer to a European team are underway, but he is under contract with MLS for another year and, unless an outstanding offer comes along, the league will retain him for a fourth season.

Brian Carroll, the team's quietly reliable defensive midfielder whose contract expires next month, "is interested in coming back but will at least assess his options," agent Craig Sharon said.

Technical Director Dave Kasper said the team plans to upgrade the contracts of goalkeeper Troy Perkins and defender Bobby Boswell, who, while earning only $29,400 apiece this season, were voted the best in the league at their positions.

The club also might have to rework Christian Gomez's deal. Otherwise, the Argentine playmaker could play out his contract and leave MLS after the 2007 season. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando is also out of contract and, with Perkins firmly in place as the starter, United has been contacted about possible trades, Kasper said.

The club will have to decide whether to pick up options on late-season acquisitions Matias Donnet and Robert Ssejjemba. Donnet would likely return if the sides can agree to a new salary, but Ssejjemba seems set to return to the minor league system.

Next week's expansion draft, supplying players for Toronto FC, will cost United no more than one player. The club will protect 11, but might have to expose promising young players such as Clyde Simms and Rod Dyachenko.

· Who's Coming?: After watching Jaime Moreno and Alecko Eskandarian fade down the stretch, United's priority is to acquire an experienced forward. The club has nurtured strong relationships with player representatives in South America, and Kasper said he hopes to make a recruiting trip to Argentina and Brazil in a few weeks.

United is among several MLS teams interested in Roanoke-born Daniel Karbassiyoon, 22, who spent time with English power Arsenal. If he signs with MLS, Karbassiyoon would be available in the draft or through a weighted lottery.

· What's Next?: United will regroup in mid- to late January, two weeks earlier than usual, to prepare for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which will begin Feb. 20 or 22. The club is also weighing the possibility of a trip to Libya in March for one or two exhibitions, and could be among four MLS teams invited to play Mexican clubs in a new tournament next summer.