No summer panic from Fergie

Alex Ferguson has vowed he will not be panicked into making wholesale changes at Manchester United this summer.

The long-serving Old Trafford chief is already plotting United’s revival following their meek title surrender to Arsenal and is certain to plunge into the transfer market in an effort to bolster his squad.

Leeds’ Alan Smith and Deportivo defender Jorge Andrade have already indicated they would be favourably disposed to joining the Red Devils, while England duo Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney head the long list of players who have been linked with a move to the club.

However, Ferguson, who today learned that PSV Eindhoven and Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds will be United’s opponents in the inaugural Vodafone Cup to be held at Old Trafford in August, insisted his squad does not need too much tweaking to launch a concerted fightback. And the Scot certainly will not be pressing the panic button.

“We have some plans for the summer as always but the important thing is not to panic,” he said.

“We still have a terrific bunch of players at the club but we have not been involved in the back end of the league title race for the first time in 13 years and that has had an impact.

“We do not enjoy not winning things and that has had an effect on everyone - myself, the coaching staff and the players.

“The FA Cup Final has given us another focus and that has caused us difficulties in the league.

“We will add to the squad in the summer to give them help but I already know my players have the ability and drive to bounce back.”

United chief executive David Gill has already promised Ferguson financial backing during the summer and it may well be needed just to ensure the club can fulfil their pre-season obligations.

The Red Devils are committed to playing their strongest side on August 3 and 5, when Old Trafford will host the tournament bearing their shirt sponsors’ name - the first of an event that will run for the entire four-year length of Vodafone’s current contract with the club.

In addition, Ferguson’s team will face Bayern Munich, Celtic and AC Milan on a three-game United States tour and they will also book a Community Shield clash with Arsenal on August 8 should they overcome Millwall in the FA Cup Final.

The United boss admitted it is a tight schedule that will take some managing, particularly as the situation is complicated by the loss of up to 11 stars to major international tournaments on either side of the Atlantic, plus entrance into the Champions League qualifying rounds.

“There is no disputing that it is a tight schedule and it is going to take good management to get through it,” he said.

“We have a lot of organising to do in terms of who is going to play and when.

“But we are going to need matches because of the competitive situation we find ourselves in with the Champions League qualifier and I anticipate trying to fit in another game on August 6 for Stan Ternent’s testimonial.

“That match will mean when we get back from America, I will be able to assess which players are more advanced in terms of fitness and those not ready for the tournament can have a game before the Community Shield.”

Ferguson’s preference for giving all his players a full 28 days off after their final competitive match means England’s progress at Euro 2004 will have a direct impact on his plans for the new campaign.

Should Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad ultimately prove successful in Portugal, Ferguson fears he may have to do without five key men – Paul Scholes, Wes Brown, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers – for the first leg of the early Champions League outing on August 11, which could involve a tricky trip to the likes of Rosenborg, Anderlecht or Red Star Belgrade.

Yet the avowed Scottish patriot has no wish to see England perform badly.

On the contrary, he feels now is the time for them to make their mark.

“If England get to the final we have a problem,” he admitted. “But I still hope they make it.

“There comes a point when you have to mark your mark.

“Club wise, the progress in Europe has been very good. Chelsea have done fantastically well this season and each year we get closer to the consistency required.

“So, with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, there is no reason why the national team can’t go far.”