Sir Alex Ferguson insists United have operated well
on two levels in this summer's transfer market - in terms of the
new faces and the funds used to sign them.
Speaking at the unveiling of his three acquisitions,
the boss declared the Reds had got "good value" in a difficult
summer for player transfer fees while importing a classic United
blend of youth and experience in Gabriel Obertan and Antonio
Valencia (aged 20 and 23) and "old codger" Michael Owen (29).
"Everywhere in England and in Europe the players' values have shot
sky high," said Sir Alex, commenting on market conditions.
"I don't think any of the transfers that you see happening are
realistic but for some reason it seems to have caught fire this
summer. It is a very unusual summer and difficult to get value
because of that.
"It's always been the case that at Manchester United, we have to
pay a bit extra. But this summer we were not prepared to do that
because you have got to understand we have got some very good young
players.
"There didn't need to be a kneejerk reaction to losing Cristiano
Ronaldo because we did very well to keep him for six years and it
was his moment to leave, and we allowed him to do that.
"We shouldn't panic because of one player leaving. I think we have
a very, very good squad with some good young players in all
positions."
Sir Alex added that no further arrivals are likely at
United this summer, declaring, "It's the end of our business, so
forget all these stories about who we are supposed to be
getting."