United will compete in transfer market, says Gill

MAN UTD have the cash to be in the fight to sign the best players in Europe this summer.

The Old Trafford outfit have just announced a new multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Spanish commercial giants Grupo 2002 to promote residential properties throughout the globe under the Royal Resorts Sports and Leisure banner.

The five-year contract emphasises the continuing global appeal of United, who have similar platinum sponsorship deals with Air Asia, Budweiser, Audi and Kumho Tyres and comes on the back of some impressive performances by Sir Alex Ferguson’s men this season.

While some critics argue the cash will only be used to help pay off the debts Malcolm Glazer incurred to complete his controversial £780m takeover in 2005, United chief executive David Gill insists there is no question of the Red Devils not being able to compete in the transfer market at the end of the current campaign.

“We will be pitching for players,” he said. “In order to do these (sponsorship) deals we fully understand the need for us to have good teams playing attractive and winning football the Manchester United way. That has always been the case.

“We bought Michael Carrick and Tomasz Kuszczak last summer and we will continue to invest in the team as necessary. The funds are there.”

Nine points clear at the Premiership summit, well placed to overcome Lille and clinch a place in the Champions League quarter-finals tomorrow and favourites to beat Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Saturday, United are enjoying the kind of success many predicted they would never have under the Glazer family.

Although rebel club FC United continue to enjoy unprecedented support at their level of the non-league pyramid, the ‘big’ United have steamrollered on.

At a time when many north-west clubs are cutting prices in an effort to attract full houses, Gill reported the Red Devils are still turning away an average of 6,000 supporters a game, even though the capacity at Old Trafford has now expanded to over 76,000.

“If you wind the clock back there was clearly some turmoil prior to the takeover,” said Gill. “Change is always something you have to think about but I spent some time with the family and got to understand what they were all about. They have been true to their word.

“Hopefully now we can look forward to a great end to the season.”

Gill has ruled out any last-ditch attempt to keep Henrik Larsson at Old Trafford. The Swede is due to end his successful 10-week loan stint with the Red Devils on March 12.

Larsson will only be allowed to play for the European Select XI against United in the 50th anniversary charity match at Old Trafford next Tuesday.

And Gill confirmed Larsson’s appearance in the FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough on Saturday will be his last.