Ferguson won’t panic buy despite injury crisis
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not desperate to sign anyone despite the club’s injury crisis.
At least seven United first-team players are set to miss next week’s Premier League opener against Newcastle, including star duo Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Ferguson, who has shown interest in Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, says he will not be forced into a panic buy.
“We might well start 2008-09 with largely the squad we had last season – and after all, they didn’t do too badly,” said Ferguson, who led his side to the double last year.
“We have not brought in the kind of top-quality player everyone seems to be expecting. We are still researching and looking but it is not easy and certainly we are not desperate.”
United looked set to step up their interest in Berbatov when it emerged on Tuesday that Rooney has been laid low with a mystery virus.
But Spurs are reportedly reluctant to sell the classy Bulgarian for less than £30m, and Ferguson maintains his already well-equipped team has already been boosted by the return of loaned youngsters.
“We have the right balance of youth and experience thanks to the work we did in the transfer market the previous year,” he added.
Meanwhile, United were held to a 0-0 draw by Juventus in last night’s pre-season friendly at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes missed the game’s best chance when heading over the bar from close range just after the break.