• 'It's going to be a hectic spell … that's when the
squad kicks in'
• Butt says United should improve squad in January if they can
The Manchester United
manager, Sir Alex
Ferguson, has said he will have to
utilise the full depth of his squad as the fixture list picks up
over the festive period. From Sunday, when United go to QPR, the
team play five matches in 18 days before their high-profile FA Cup
third-round match at Manchester City.
And as Ferguson is without the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Javier
Hernández, Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Rafael and Fabio
da Silva there are a number of fringe players who will have to come
in to lighten the load.
"December is a particularly busy month when we often play eight
or nine games," he told Inside United. "We've got a Boxing Day
Game, a New Year's Eve game … it's going to be a hectic spell and
that's when the squad really kicks in."
In spite of his long injury list Ferguson last week played down
the possibility of making new signings when the January transfer
window opens. However, the former United midfielder Nicky Butt
believes if there are improvements to be made Ferguson should make
them.
"Every team can improve, no matter who they are," he said. "Even
Barcelona can improve so I'm sure Sir Alex will sign players,
whether it be in midfield, defence or up front. He's always looking
to enhance his squad."
Butt also thinks United will benefit from having a settled
partnership in midfield. "I think it's difficult to pick the four
starting across the midfield," Butt said. "In years gone by,
everyone knew who the strongest four or five was. It's different
now but we've still got some good players.
"I think Sir Alex will be looking to try and get a steady
pairing in the centre. He's had injuries to Darren Fletcher,
Cleverley and Anderson so it's been difficult to get a regular
line-up in midfield. It helps when you can get everyone on a roll
and playing well together."