United target Hargreaves not for sale, insist Bayern
The England international had expressed an interest in a move to Old Trafford, but it seems he will be seeing out his contract with the Bundesliga champions.
“I have just spoken with general manager Uli Hoeness and he is absolutely clear that selling Owen Hargreaves is not an issue,” said Bayern press officer Markus Horwick.
“He has recently signed a three-year contract extension and will be fulfilling that deal.”
Pressed on whether Bayern may alter their stance should a serious offer be received from United, Horwick reiterated that Hargreaves is not for sale.
Hargreaves has admitted there was still time before the transfer window closes on August 31 to fill the hole at the base of United’s midfield.
On Wednesday, he confirmed in an interview with Sport Bild magazine that United had made an offer which he would struggle to turn down.
Hargreaves previously snubbed the chance to play in England when Spurs came knocking on his door.
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs has joined the conspiracy theorists who believe referees are making a trophy target out of Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United striker was stunned to learn on Tuesday that he must serve a three-match Premiership ban for his recent dismissal against FC Porto.
Rooney could barely believe he had been red-carded at the time for his aerial challenge on Porto defender Pepe in Amsterdam and has since claimed some officials are honing in on any minor indiscretion in order to make a name for himself.
Dutch referee Ruud Bossen submitted a 23-page report to the Football Association emphasising why he felt he was correct to send off Rooney, and United team-mate Paul Scholes, during the four-team tournament earlier this month.
While the three-man independent disciplinary panel set up by the FA to hear United’s appeal against the verdict concurred with Bossen, Giggs is adamant the official was acting on reputation rather than fact.
“Generally, Wayne has handled himself brilliantly,” said Giggs.
“At such a young age, the spotlight is on him but he has handled that more than appropriately.
“But, on occasions like this, when the referee is trying to make a name for himself, it is disappointing.”
As Rooney is set to miss Sunday’s Premiership opener against Fulham with a minor groin problem, it could be the crunch Old Trafford encounter with Arsenal on September 17 before the 20-year-old makes his league bow.
With Ruud van Nistelrooy now at Real Madrid and Alan Smith still a couple of weeks from full recovery after his horrific double leg break, Ferguson’s decision not to bring in striking reinforcements could backfire.
“Losing both Wayne and Paul is a real problem,” admitted Giggs. “But we have got a big enough squad to cope and we just have to deal with it.”
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