latest news
FORWARD THINKING FROM FERGIE
Ferguson - wants a new striker.
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he will have signed a striker in time for the big Premier League kick-off next week.
While Manchester United's top four rivals have all been active in the transfer market, Ferguson has kept his wallet shut.
Although it could be argued a squad capable of lifting the biggest prizes on offer last term does not need much strengthening, Ferguson is aware he needs cover up front even though he is refusing to give up on injury-prone Frenchman Louis Saha.
A move for Dimitar Berbatov has already stalled amid Tottenham's disquiet. But the Bulgarian is still believed to be on a four-man hit-list, one of whom Ferguson hopes to have landed in time for Newcastle's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday week.
"We are looking at three or four different options in the striking department which I hope will come to a happy conclusion," said Ferguson.
"Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."
Apart from Berbatov, Valencia's David Villa has been mentioned as a potential target, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of Ajax and Lyon's Karim Benzema other possibilities.
Even if Wayne Rooney can resume his partnership with Carlos Tevez next week, Ferguson is short of options, especially as Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be out for at least another six weeks following ankle surgery.
And it hardly seems likely Saha's fitness will be trusted, even if Ferguson is refusing to throw in the towel on the former Fulham man, who has spent more time in the treatment room than he has on the pitch.
"You don't want to give up on people like that just because they have had a few injuries," reflected Ferguson.
"When he is fit, Louis is an explosive player who will guarantee 20 goals a season."
When asked about Saha's future, Ferguson suggested the forward's own opinion was a key factor.
However, not for the first time, he suggested the battle is in Saha's head almost as much as those fragile hamstrings.
"Louis is on a programme at the moment which we feel will get him to 100% fitness," he said.
"It is more about his confidence in doing this programme which will get him back playing all the time. Hopefully that is the case because he is such a fantastic player."
