Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to reinforce his
squad
Ferguson has been reluctant to spend big money and has said in
recent months that he feels there is a lack of value in the market,
but he now acknowledges that Manchester United cannot continue to
rely so heavily on Wayne
Rooney and will look to bring in a new forward when the
transfer window reopens.
Edwin van der Sar recently
agreed a one-year contract extension to remain at Old Trafford next
season but, at 39, his time at the top level looks limited, so
Ferguson would like to bring in one of the world's top goalkeepers
to replace him.
United raised £80 million from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the
summer but reinvestment in the market was limited and there were
suspicions that the Glazers were using the remaining funds
elsewhere in the business. However, it has emerged that the cash
pile is still available for new signings.
An insider told Soccernet: "There is no doubt that the
money from the sale of Ronaldo is there for Sir Alex to spend, and
any other money he raises through sales. Sir Alex needs a striker
and a goalkeeper, and the players of the quality United demand
means that they would be extremely expensive and, while Sir Alex
likes value for money, he does need these two players for next
season as a matter of priority."
Ferguson has been left to deal with team matters without any
interference from the Glazers, and for that reason he is supportive
of their ownership of the club and unwilling to go behind their
backs to back the Red Knights' potential takeover.
"Sir Alex is not involved with the Red Knights, nor would he
be," the insider added. "It's preposterous to even suggest it. In
any case, their bid is not reality.
"No one is going to force the Glazers to sell, and I would doubt
whether the Glazers would even entertain these guys, even if they
did change their minds one day. There seems to be no proof of funds
- the likelihood is that they would borrow heavily in any case - so
what is the difference?"