Fergie: My choice not to splash cash

Alex Ferguson is not willing to spend £50m on a striker just to prove Manchester United’s owners are not holding cash back to pay their massive debts.

After more fierce criticism of the Glazer family, who are believed to be looking at launching a £600m (€666.7m) bond issue to bring down the massive interest they are presently paying on loans taken out to complete their controversial takeover in 2005, Ferguson has again stepped in on their behalf.

The United boss is adamant the only reason three-quarters of the £80m world record transfer fee received from Real Madrid following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo has not been spent on the team is because he cannot find anyone worth buying.

Ferguson did make a £30m bid for Karim Benzema but, once that was rebuffed, he decided to leave the cash where it is.

“I am not going to pay £50m for a striker who is not worth it,” said Ferguson. “There is debt there but it has never interrupted my plans for the team – at any stage.

“Concerns of the supporters are down to the fact that I haven’t moved in the transfer market. But that is nothing to do with the Glazers or with (chief executive) David Gill.”

United will have one new signing in their squad at Birmingham tomorrow.

Mame Biram Diouf was actually signed last summer but remained with Molde for the remainder of the Norwegian season before linking up with his new team-mates last month.

The 22-year-old has impressed in training to such an extent Ferguson is ready to hand him his debut at St Andrew’s.

“He is quick and has magnificent spring in the air for someone of 5ft 10in,” said Ferguson. “He has a good intelligence and a good feel for the game. He has attributes that are suited to us and he may just do well straight away.”

United also have Paul Scholes available after a recent hip injury but Nemanja Vidic will miss the next two games as he recovers from a nerve problem in the back of his leg that caused him to miss last weekend’s FA Cup defeat by Leeds.

Gary Neville is also expected to be in the Red Devils squad, with Scholes insisting that, despite rumours of his likely retirement at the end of the season, his long-time colleague is still one of the best full-backs around.

“It is obvious Gary has had his injury problems but, when he is fit, there is no better right-back,” said Scholes.

“I don’t see why he shouldn’t stay for another year. When he is fit, he is still the best right-back in England.”