Fergie rules out transfers
Alex Ferguson will not go back into the transfer market to solve Manchester United’s early season scoring problems.
The United boss surprised many observers this summer when he revealed his intention to use Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck as back-up to experienced trio Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen.
A return of just one goal in the champions’ first two fixtures, including Wednesday’s shock defeat at Burnley, has led to suggestions that Ferguson could scrap his initial plan and make a move for one of Valencia’s outstanding pair, David Villa and David Silva.
However, Ferguson has insisted that will not happen.
“Did I say we wouldn’t make any more signings?” he responded when quizzed on the subject this morning. “That is it. I have already made the point – and I am sure of it. This is a great group of players.”
The news might come as a disappointment to United fans, who are still struggling to adapt to life without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yet Ferguson’s faith in his current crop of players is undimmed, even if he does have a problem in central defence where Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out for three to four weeks with a thigh injury.
Ferdinand suffered a slight tear during training last week ahead of the Premier League opener against Birmingham.
Initially Ferguson felt that Ferdinand would only be sidelined for a couple of weeks. However, that estimate has now been revised.
“Rio is going to be out for three to four weeks,” said Ferguson.
It means Ferdinand will miss Saturday’s trip to Wigan, plus next weekend’s eagerly anticipated encounter with Arsenal.
In addition, Ferdinand now seems certain to miss the next two England games, starting with a friendly against Slovenia on September 5, then a World Cup qualifier against Croatia four days later, when victory would book the Three Lions’ place in South Africa next summer.
It also raises concerns over Ferdinand’s general fitness given the £29.1m defender suffered a back injury and a calf problem last season that kept him sidelined for extended periods.
There is some good news on the injury front for United though as Ferdinand’s central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic is set to make his first start of the season at the DW stadium on Saturday as United look to bounce back from Wednesday’s shock defeat at Burnley.
“Nemanja has trained with us for 10 days and he is ready for the game,” said Ferguson. “Hopefully he will be okay by tomorrow.”
