Rio Trusts Fergie in Transfer Market
Simon Stone
RIO Ferdinand has total trust in Sir Alex Ferguson to bring in the midfield
reinforcements that will turn Manchester United into champions again.
Although the Red Devils have earned plenty of praise for the end-of-season run
which has brought them 31 points from a possible 33 over the past 11 games, their
impressive form seems destined not to bring them their first Premier League title
in three seasons.
Instead, United will be forced to redouble their efforts next term and try to
avoid the early season troubles which undermined the challenge to Chelsea this
term.
In order to achieve that aim, both Ferguson and chief executive David Gill have
declared their commitment to bringing in at least one, and possibly two, top-rated
midfielders.
A host of names have been mentioned, ranging from Lyon's Mahamadou Diarra to
Bolton's Kevin Nolan.
But, whoever it is, Ferdinand is confident when he returns from World Cup duty
with England, his manager will have brought in the right man.
"We all trust the manager and his judgement in players," said Ferdinand.
"The players are like the fans. We are all eagerly waiting to see who he brings
in this summer.
"It is down to the manager who he decides to bring in but whoever it is, I
would like to think it will complete the team."
Combination
After selling Phil Neville at the start of the season, releasing Roy Keane in
November and then losing Paul Scholes to an eye injury during the Christmas period,
Ferguson has settled on Ryan Giggs and John O'Shea as his central midfield combination.
The pair's respective attacking and defensive qualities have complimented each
other well over the last couple of months but Ferguson feels more quality,
and greater strength in depth, is required if United are to really put Chelsea
under pressure next term, as well as improving on their dismal Champions League
efforts.
Transition phase is not a phrase usually associated with a club of United's stature.
But, Ferdinand agrees with his manager's assessment the current youthful squad
is a work in progress.
"There are young players coming through, learning and becoming accustomed
to the expectations at the club, and the consistency of performances and results
that are required," said the England star.
"But I think we are getting the combination right at the moment. If the manager
can keep the current squad together and add to what we have already, then the
future looks really promising for us.
"It is exciting to be part of it."
While Ferguson continues his extensive
search for new midfield recruits, speculation persists that Ruud van Nistelrooy
could be heading out of Old Trafford.
Despite the assurances of his manager that he still has a long-term part to play
at the club, Van Nistelrooy is yet to offer a public comment on his extended
omission from the Red Devils starting line-up.
With Louis Saha expected to be fit again after a minor ankle problem, United's
line-up for the trip to Chelsea on April 29 could provide a major indicator to
Van Nistelrooy's position within Ferguson's striking hierarchy.
However, unsubstantiated reports coming out of Madrid suggest the prolific Dutchman,
one of only eight United players to score 150 goals for the club, has already
decided his future lies elsewhere.
