FERGIE WANTS NEW STRIKER
By Simon Stone, PA Sport
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he could plunge into the transfer market for a new striker before the end of the month.
Ferguson confirmed he was looking to the Champions League deadline of August 31 to bring in a new face following the cut-price £2million departure of Dwight Yorke to Blackburn.
However, he flatly denied that West Ham's Paolo di Canio was on his wanted list after his initial move for the Italian fell through last season because of Yorke's refusal to leave Old Trafford.
"We would like to have four strikers," said Ferguson, who confirmed he would not have to sell before setting his target.
"We have always worked on that basis so it's possible we could bring someone in.
"We have a deadline of August 8 for the qualifying stage of the Champions League and August 31 for the main competition.
"We do not have a lot of time until next Wednesday but hopefully, if we get through the first stage, we will use August 31."
It had been strongly suggested that West Ham were awaiting a bid from United for their maverick 34-year-old by the end of the week.
However, that has so far failed to materialise and Ferguson was fairly unequivocal when he was asked whether his interest would be renewed.
"He will not be the next one," said the Scot.
Ferguson was speaking ahead of the prestigious four-team Amsterdam tournament, which will see his side pitted against hosts Ajax on Friday and Italian outfit Parma on Sunday evening.
While the prize of becoming the first English team to win the sell-out event is an enticing one, the main reason for United taking part is to sharpen themselves up for the start of a campaign which will begin with a trip to either Hungary or Croatia in two weeks time.
Hungarian unknowns Zalaegerszek, who take a 1-0 advantage into their second leg against Croatia's NK Zargeb next week but Ferguson feels his side will be better prepared than they were at the same stage last term, even if his quintet of England World Cup men might be slightly behind in their preparation.
"We have taken a bit of a gamble with them," he admitted.
"They only arrived here on Thursday and we will probably only give them half a game against Ajax.
"I need to have a team in my mind for the first leg but at least our pre-season programme is better than the last one."
Twelve months ago, United headed to the Far East, mainly as a marketing exercise because of their huge following in the region.
Although that part of the trip proved worthwhile, it was less beneficial to the players, who were physically drained for the start of the season.
"There is no comparison really," said Ferguson.
"The Far East trip was done because we have a huge fan base there. This is a tournament of real significance against very good teams with excellent players."
Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed the hope he would be fit for Friday's opener after playing a full part in training on Thursday despite his recent shin problem.
It is thought however, he may sit the match out as Ferguson refuses to take any chances on his star men.
In any case, Ferguson will want to have another look at Uruguayan frontman Diego Forlan, whose form has improved dramatically following an encouraging World Cup campaign.
The £7million man failed to find the net for United last term but has scored in two friendly outings so far and Ferguson has also predicted a great future for the South American.
Ajax have promised to field a full strength side as they defend the trophy they won for the first time last year.
Ironically, they are the only competing team to have automatically qualified for the Champions League after completing a Dutch double last term.
Victor Sikora will look to give Fulham a reminder of what they missed when he opted for the Amsterdam ArenA ahead of Loftus Road and coach Ronald Koeman admitted Friday's game would mean more to his side than their visitors.
"We are all preparing for a new season, so it will be a good guide to where we are," he said.
"But it has to be more more important for us because we are in front of our own fans."
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It not Di canio, who will it be perhaps a raid on Crisis Club Fiorentina for Nuno Gomes
By Simon Stone, PA Sport
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he could plunge into the transfer market for a new striker before the end of the month.
Ferguson confirmed he was looking to the Champions League deadline of August 31 to bring in a new face following the cut-price £2million departure of Dwight Yorke to Blackburn.
However, he flatly denied that West Ham's Paolo di Canio was on his wanted list after his initial move for the Italian fell through last season because of Yorke's refusal to leave Old Trafford.
"We would like to have four strikers," said Ferguson, who confirmed he would not have to sell before setting his target.
"We have always worked on that basis so it's possible we could bring someone in.
"We have a deadline of August 8 for the qualifying stage of the Champions League and August 31 for the main competition.
"We do not have a lot of time until next Wednesday but hopefully, if we get through the first stage, we will use August 31."
It had been strongly suggested that West Ham were awaiting a bid from United for their maverick 34-year-old by the end of the week.
However, that has so far failed to materialise and Ferguson was fairly unequivocal when he was asked whether his interest would be renewed.
"He will not be the next one," said the Scot.
Ferguson was speaking ahead of the prestigious four-team Amsterdam tournament, which will see his side pitted against hosts Ajax on Friday and Italian outfit Parma on Sunday evening.
While the prize of becoming the first English team to win the sell-out event is an enticing one, the main reason for United taking part is to sharpen themselves up for the start of a campaign which will begin with a trip to either Hungary or Croatia in two weeks time.
Hungarian unknowns Zalaegerszek, who take a 1-0 advantage into their second leg against Croatia's NK Zargeb next week but Ferguson feels his side will be better prepared than they were at the same stage last term, even if his quintet of England World Cup men might be slightly behind in their preparation.
"We have taken a bit of a gamble with them," he admitted.
"They only arrived here on Thursday and we will probably only give them half a game against Ajax.
"I need to have a team in my mind for the first leg but at least our pre-season programme is better than the last one."
Twelve months ago, United headed to the Far East, mainly as a marketing exercise because of their huge following in the region.
Although that part of the trip proved worthwhile, it was less beneficial to the players, who were physically drained for the start of the season.
"There is no comparison really," said Ferguson.
"The Far East trip was done because we have a huge fan base there. This is a tournament of real significance against very good teams with excellent players."
Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed the hope he would be fit for Friday's opener after playing a full part in training on Thursday despite his recent shin problem.
It is thought however, he may sit the match out as Ferguson refuses to take any chances on his star men.
In any case, Ferguson will want to have another look at Uruguayan frontman Diego Forlan, whose form has improved dramatically following an encouraging World Cup campaign.
The £7million man failed to find the net for United last term but has scored in two friendly outings so far and Ferguson has also predicted a great future for the South American.
Ajax have promised to field a full strength side as they defend the trophy they won for the first time last year.
Ironically, they are the only competing team to have automatically qualified for the Champions League after completing a Dutch double last term.
Victor Sikora will look to give Fulham a reminder of what they missed when he opted for the Amsterdam ArenA ahead of Loftus Road and coach Ronald Koeman admitted Friday's game would mean more to his side than their visitors.
"We are all preparing for a new season, so it will be a good guide to where we are," he said.
"But it has to be more more important for us because we are in front of our own fans."
---------------------------------------------
It not Di canio, who will it be perhaps a raid on Crisis Club Fiorentina for Nuno Gomes
