Ferguson reveals length of Hargreaves hunt

Alex Ferguson has revealed his first enquiry for Owen Hargreaves came before the World Cup.

The Red Devils are currently attempting to prize Hargreaves from Bayern Munich’s grasp, even though the Bundesliga champions have made it perfectly clear they are not interested in doing a deal for the 25-year-old at any price.

Hargreaves has suddenly become one of the most sought-after properties in Europe, largely as a result of his performances in Germany this summer when he was virtually the only England player to enhance his reputation.

The Canada-born midfielder has since produced a man-of-the-match display in England’s friendly win over Greece, emphasising all the discipline and defensive qualities Ferguson finds so attractive.

However, rather than be influenced by what Hargreaves did at the World Cup, Ferguson has admitted the initial enquiry came earlier in the summer and the player’s subsequent performances have only made the situation more difficult.

“We first enquired about Owen before the World Cup,” Ferguson told MUTV. “What he did in the tournament was a nightmare. I knew it would happen – it happens all the time. The boy wants to come so we hope to be able to do something.”

With less than a fortnight remaining before the transfer window slams shut, Ferguson knows chief executive David Gill faces a tough challenge trying to persuade Bayern of the merits of Hargreaves’ sale, knowing the German giants have already lost one key midfielder in Michael Ballack already this summer.

However, if Gill is successful in his quest, Hargreaves would be a welcome presence in the United dressing room according to utility man John O’Shea.

“Owen would be a good addition,” O’Shea said. “There were lots of question marks around him before the World Cup but he showed in Germany what a quality player he is.

“Obviously, Bayern Munich are going to try to hold on to him, so we will just have to wait and see but he is a quality player.”

Hargreaves is due to play for Bayern at Bochum tomorrow, around the same time as the Red Devils open their Premiership campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Having faltered at the start of the past two seasons and been unable to make up the ground lost, the Red Devils realise there is little margin for error over three relatively easy fixtures before the first international break.

With visits to Charlton and newly-promoted Watford to follow the Cottagers clash, nine points is a wholly achievable target, even though Gabriel Heinze, Nemanja Vidic, Alan Smith and new signing Michael Carrick all miss the Fulham encounter, with Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes joining them on the sidelines when their respective three-match suspensions begin next week.

“Nine points is the aim for the three games going into the international break,” said O’Shea.

“That would put a big statement out on our behalf. It is a big challenge because we are missing some players, but we cannot be looking for excuses like that.

“We will be without players through injury and suspension all season. All it does is give someone else an opportunity. That is why the manager has built such a strong squad.”

Ferguson has already identified the aerial threat Fulham boast in striking duo Brian McBride and Heidar Helguson and, after a series of high-scoring meetings between the clubs in recent years, O'Shea is expecting another pulsating encounter.

“I think it will be an open game,” said the Republic of Ireland international. “Fulham have good attacking players, so they will be looking to utilise them.

“They will also be looking to improve their away form and I would imagine Chris Coleman spent a lot of time in pre-season trying to address that.

“Maybe they will become a bit more defensive-minded but somehow I doubt it, our matches against them are very open.”