As Wayne Rooney savoured the prospect of Anderson and Nani
laying on even more chances for him next season, he took delivery
of a new squad number. Not any old number, either, but the No 10
made famous by undisputed king of Old Trafford Denis Law during a
golden era in the 1960s.
"When I was offered the chance to wear the No 10 shirt, I jumped at
it," he said. "Some of the game's greatest players have become
legends wearing No 10, none more so than Denis. He was crowned king
of the Stretford End during his time at the club, and it is a great
honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind
it."
Meanwhile, Ferguson is planning more signings ahead of the new
campaign but will not be moving for Michael Owen or Jermain Defoe
and is unlikely to try to lure Carlos Tevez from West Ham.
Tevez's goalscoring feats last season, including an Old Trafford
winner on a dramatic final day, took Ferguson's eye, and it is
understood he would consider taking the Argentina forward on loan.
But with owner Kia Joorabchian looking to recoup some of his
investment, and Real Madrid apparently ready to offer £25m, another
temporary move appears unlikely.
Ferguson has also been told he has to offload before adding to his
summer signings. There is a £6m Middlesbrough bid for Alan Smith on
the table but the player is expected to reject the move when he
returns from holiday next week.
Everton have expressed interest in winger Kieran Richardson, and
United will be hoping the Goodison Park club still have enough
funds, after completing their anticipated £4m signing of Sheffield
United's Phil Jagielka, to follow up with a move for long-term
target Smith.
Liverpool are ready to try to hijack Real Madrid's £6m move for
United defender Gabriel Heinze. Real look to have edged ahead of
Juventus in the race for Heinze, but Liverpool could now present
him with an opportunity to stay in the Premiership after earmarking
him for their problem left back spot.
Manager Rafa Benitez is considering lodging a bid but is aware that
United may be reluctant to sell to one of their main rivals for
honours next season.
