ALEX FERGUSON will go into the New Year with a £50million
transfer kitty burning a hole in his pocket.
Manchester Uniteds owner Malcolm Glazer and his sons Joel, Bryan
and Avi set aside the cash in their latest business plans for the
Old Trafford giants.
Fergie has already been promised £25million to spend on new players
each year plus another £25million to splash out on a megastar
signing if the manager chooses. And, should a situation arise as
in 2004, when Wayne Rooney was snapped up from Everton in a
£28million deal, the cash will be found.
Given the sales of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mikel Jon Obi, who
joined Chelsea for £12million having never played a game for
United, the Red Devils actually made a transfer surplus during the
summer, when £18.6million midfielder Michael Carrick was the only
permanent addition to Ferguson's squad.
Of major interest to Ferguson is a statement that his team should
visit `all corners of the globe' on pre and post-season tours in an
effort to maximise their commercial potential. The Glazers are
adamant United remain the number one footballing brand, citing
Chelsea's `lack of brand appeal and limited fan base beyond the
UK'.
But United fans will have to fork out more to watch their side. The
Glazers hiked ticket prices by 12.5 per cent this season. But they
insist seats at Old Trafford are still good value.
