Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
has no intention of recruiting top names in
January and insists his focus is on Premier League
glory.
Ferguson has confirmed he has no intention of recruiting
top names when the window reopens next week.
Instead his focus remains on ensuring United are on the
shoulders of the Premier League leaders going into 2009.
United face Stoke on Boxing Day buoyed by the fact they are now
Club World Champions after defeating LDU Quito in Japan on
Sunday.
Ferguson feels they have the personnel to cope with remainder of
the campaign.
He said: "I do not think there will be any January transfers. I
am happy with what I have got.
"We are probably going to bring back a couple of young players
who have been on loan. That may just give us extra protection.
"We took 23 players to Japan and they are very substantial
players. I would be happy to play any one of them.
"Winning the competition was a great boost to the club and the
players. It was a great achievement and the important thing was
they played well.
"They showed good enthusiasm through the matches and good
concentration. We have come through it well."
While United were away in the Far East, the top two, Liverpool
and Chelsea dropped points.
Most recently, Liverpool drew at Arsenal while Chelsea had to
settle for a point against Everton at Goodison Park.
United are seven points adrift of Liverpool and six behind
Chelsea - but have two games in hand on both.
Ferguson is now intent on regaining the high ground.
He said: "If we get within a point or two of the leaders by New
Year's Day then we are in with a chance.
"The second half of the season is the most important because if
you lose a game it means something, particularly when you get to
March and April.
"Recent results have been predictable. Arsenal and Liverpool,
given the position of the clubs and the history of the clubs, you
expect a tight match.
"Because of Everton's poor record against Chelsea you were
worried about that. But having watched the game, they will consider
themselves unlucky not to win the match. Equally, so I thought
Chelsea defended well."
United will train on Christmas morning before making the 40-mile
trip after dinner with their families.
Ferguson expects Stoke to come out with all guns blazing when
they meet at lunchtime.
"We would probably have preferred a later kick-off, " he said.
"I just hope our preparation is right.
"I have been to the Britannia a few times and there is always
that really hot atmosphere. They are very passionate people. You
have to deal with that.
"We expect Stoke to fight for everything because you look at how
tight the league is. It is the tightest I can remember.
"It may need over 40 points for a team to be guaranteed safety,
maybe even 43."