Rooney boost for United
Last week, Ferguson said he expected to have a new face at the club within the next few days.
So far, no-one has materialised, although strong rumours are sweeping Manchester that Dimitar Berbatov is on the brink of completing a move to the Red Devils from Tottenham.
Ferguson was not prepared to expand on the gossip, although the ambiguous nature of his response merely fuelled the increasing speculation.
“I cannot give you an answer because there isn’t one,” he said, when asked whether he still expected to bring in a new player.
“We have been trying to add to the squad but nothing has changed, I have nothing else to say.”
United’s hopes of signing Berbatov received a major boost yesterday after Zenit St Petersburg cleared the path for Andrei Arshavin to join Tottenham. Spurs were originally told Arshavin, who starred at Euro 2008 for Russia, would cost upwards of £20 million (€25.4m) but Zenit claim to have lowered their asking price.
And Arshavin, encouraged by a conversation with Spurs head coach Juande Ramos, is willing to join Spurs after initially declaring Barcelona as his preferred destination.
Spurs are in the market for strikers following the departure of Robbie Keane to Liverpool and Berbatov’s seemingly imminent move to Old Trafford. Arshavin would be seen as a like-for-like replacement for Keane.
“There are only small differences left,” Zenit sporting director Konstantin Sarsaniya said yesterday.
“Zenit have decided to reduce the asking price for Andrei, but exactly how much I cannot say because the negotiations were led by Zenit president Alexander Dyukov.”
If, as expected, Berbatov does become a United player, he will gain an official seal of approval from Reds midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
“Berbatov is a fabulous player, who would be a fine addition to any team,” said the England midfielder.
“The thing is, if Manchester United sign a player, it has to be a top player and that would be exciting for us all.’’
Even if Ferguson does complete a deal for Berbatov, the Bulgarian will not be considered for tomorrow’s clash with Newcastle, making the return of Rooney more important.
Much is expected of the England forward this season. Unfortunately, his summer has been hampered by a virus he contracted in Nigeria.
Rooney missed last weekend’s Community Shield duel with Portsmouth at Wembley. However, he was able to train, work that he maintained during the week, leaving Ferguson content to pick him against Kevin Keegan’s men.
“Wayne has progressed in training all week, he is fit now and he will play,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson also disputed John Terry’s theory that his side have peaked.
“The challenge for us is to improve,” he said. “You would think with young players like Anderson, Ronaldo, Rooney and Nani we have the capacity to do that.
“There is no doubt in my mind this team will win championships long after I have left.’’
Meanwhile Kevin Keegan made Argentinian Fabricio Coloccini the most expensive defender in Newcastle’s history yesterday – but refused to let Alex Ferguson know whether he will play in tomorrow’s trip to Old Trafford. All a coy Keegan would say was there is a “definite possibility” Coloccini will make his debut against the champions at Old Trafford.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
