Ferguson: We’re ready for ‘noisy neighbours’
The United boss signed three players right at the start of the summer but an extensive search for a playmaker to replace Paul Scholes has so far proved to be a failure.
It is anticipated that if Luka Modric and Samir Nasri leave Tottenham and Arsenal respectively, they will head to other ports of call than Old Trafford and a deal to sign Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan has floundered due to the extreme costs involved.
Ferguson is therefore preparing with the squad he has now for a Community Shield with a difference as it pitches United against their Manchester rivals, who won the FA Cup last term to end a 35-year trophy drought.
“It is not a normal Community Shield for Manchester United,” said Ferguson.
“It is addressing our noisy neighbours again. It will be an interesting match.”
City have since made even further inroads on the Red Devils territory, with Ferguson admitting the prospect of further signings is slim.
“We lost five players in their 30s this summer,” said Ferguson.
“That helped finance the three younger players — Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea — I have brought to the club.
“At this moment, I can’t see another addition. The type of player we might have been looking for is not available.
“I am happy with the players I have got at this moment in time.”
Ferguson also revealed that Javier Hernandez, who has finally made his eagerly-awaited appearance on tour following a triumphant Gold Cup campaign with Mexico, is unlikely to be involved in tomorrow night’s encounter with the MLS All-Stars at Red Bull Arena.
Hernandez only began training yesterday and the United boss does not want to push him too hard.
“He has had a month’s holiday, which he needed after the Gold Cup,” said Ferguson.
“It was a long season and he played in the World Cup as well, so he has not had a lot of rest in the last year.”
Meanwhile David Beckham has defended Mario Balotelli over the controversial backheel that landed him in hot water with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini yesterday.
Balotelli was rebuked by his boss and immediately substituted after what was regarded as a act of “disrespect”.
“I was surprised at first but I have watched it back a few times and from his mannerisms I believe he thought he was offside,” said the former England skipper. But it doesn’t matter whether you think it was offside. You have to be professional and score the goal.
“I am not the Manchester City manager, thank goodness, but he thought he was offside.”
Elsewhere former Arsenal player Thierry Henry was careful to avoid being drawn into the ongoing talk surrounding a Cesc Fabregas move to Barcelona, as he himself did. “I only see the same as everyone else,” said Henry. “It took my decision and it is up to Cesc what he is going to do.”
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