MUFC
27-07-2006, 03:43 AM
Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to start the season with his current squad rather than risk overpaying on new recruits.
Despite being linked with a host of potential signings and making at least one big-money bid for Tottenham's Michael Carrick, Ferguson is still to make any additions even though the Manchester United officials publicly confirmed in January their midfield needed strengthening.
It is still widely assumed the Red Devils chief will make a move before his side open the new Barclays Premiership campaign against Fulham on August 20.
However, having already vowed not to be railroaded into "doing anything stupid" this summer, in a forceful show of faith in the players he currently has at his disposal, Ferguson revealed he would be content purely for his existing squad to remain fit rather than get wound up about bringing in new players for the sake of it.
"Some people are trying to make it into a desperate situation," shrugged Ferguson.
"Of course, we are working on a couple of things but if I were to start the season with all the players I've got available, all fit, I don't think the supporters would be disappointed - neither would I."
Within that group, Ferguson includes Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has signalled his intent to leave Old Trafford in writing but has returned for pre-season training as required and with an attitude which has impressed his manager, whom he fell out with so badly at the end of last season.
"Ruud trained well yesterday," said Ferguson.
"He showed a good attitude, which is good and at this moment in time, he is still a Manchester United player."
Real Madrid are believed to have tested that theory with a second bid for the 30-year-old, which is thought to be a straight cash deal of around £10million.
Whether the offer can prod United into a climbdown from their insistence on collecting at least £15million is another matter.
Indeed, with Fernando Torres publicly confirming his intention to stay at Atletico Madrid for at least another season, the pragmatic side of Ferguson's nature may yet result in Van Nistelrooy remaining where he is, even though Bayern Munich are also hopeful of landing the Dutchman.
If Van Nistelrooy does stay, Ferguson may feel his strike force is already well served, with Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Giuseppe Rossi and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all available and Alan Smith pushing for a shock appearance against Fulham after defying medical opinion by returning to training yesterday.
Despite being linked with a host of potential signings and making at least one big-money bid for Tottenham's Michael Carrick, Ferguson is still to make any additions even though the Manchester United officials publicly confirmed in January their midfield needed strengthening.
It is still widely assumed the Red Devils chief will make a move before his side open the new Barclays Premiership campaign against Fulham on August 20.
However, having already vowed not to be railroaded into "doing anything stupid" this summer, in a forceful show of faith in the players he currently has at his disposal, Ferguson revealed he would be content purely for his existing squad to remain fit rather than get wound up about bringing in new players for the sake of it.
"Some people are trying to make it into a desperate situation," shrugged Ferguson.
"Of course, we are working on a couple of things but if I were to start the season with all the players I've got available, all fit, I don't think the supporters would be disappointed - neither would I."
Within that group, Ferguson includes Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has signalled his intent to leave Old Trafford in writing but has returned for pre-season training as required and with an attitude which has impressed his manager, whom he fell out with so badly at the end of last season.
"Ruud trained well yesterday," said Ferguson.
"He showed a good attitude, which is good and at this moment in time, he is still a Manchester United player."
Real Madrid are believed to have tested that theory with a second bid for the 30-year-old, which is thought to be a straight cash deal of around £10million.
Whether the offer can prod United into a climbdown from their insistence on collecting at least £15million is another matter.
Indeed, with Fernando Torres publicly confirming his intention to stay at Atletico Madrid for at least another season, the pragmatic side of Ferguson's nature may yet result in Van Nistelrooy remaining where he is, even though Bayern Munich are also hopeful of landing the Dutchman.
If Van Nistelrooy does stay, Ferguson may feel his strike force is already well served, with Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Giuseppe Rossi and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all available and Alan Smith pushing for a shock appearance against Fulham after defying medical opinion by returning to training yesterday.