“We will probably just add a couple of players to bulk up the numbers in January, the one we really want to sign will only be available in the summer,” said Ferguson.

“He’s cup-tied in the Champions League and his club wouldn’t sell him before summer in any case.

“But I’m confident the club will back me in the summer. Manchester United always have to buy the player they need,” quotes The Observer.

Contrary to recent reports that Ferguson feels time is running out on his Old Trafford reign, the 63-year-old Scot plans to be around for a few more years yet.

“The whole logic of the past couple of years has been building a new team,” added Ferguson.

“Darren Fletcher is 21, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are 20, they will get better for sure. And Gerard Pique and Giuseppe Rossi will come through in the next wave.

“I’ll be around next season and I’ve absolutely no idea when the end will come for me because I said to the club a couple of years ago, let’s not talk about retirement because then it becomes a problem. It’s not on the agenda.

“Right now I feel great, terrific. Obviously I’m not going to be here in 10 years, I don’t think I’ll be here in four years, but I’m making plans for next season all right.”