Ferguson: I'll spend for the right player

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he would be willing to spend big if it meant luring the right man to Manchester United this summer. After years of hunting for value in the market, United broke their own rules last summer by splashing out £24m on a 29-year-old with minimal resale value who had only one year left on his contract.



Yet the arrival of Robin van Persie proved to be the masterstroke which allowed United to reclaim their Premier League title. Ferguson estimates he only needs a couple of players to freshen up his squad this summer.



However, with rumours of potential bids for Robert Lewandowski and Radamel Falcao still circulating, despite obvious interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively, Ferguson insists he has the funds to make another marquee purchase.

"I don't think we need to rebuild at all," said Ferguson. "We possibly need two players. It depends. If a player came along who met our criteria we would push the boat out and get him, irrespective of how many players we have."

It is bad news for United's domestic rivals given they are already well behind, but such an easy stroll to championship glory cannot be anticipated next term, with Manchester City sure to strengthen and Ferguson expecting a renewed threat from Chelsea, especially if the Special One returns.

"Chelsea will definitely be involved next year," said Ferguson. "They have some good players and it looks likely (Jose) Mourinho will be going there."

It would not be Ferguson's way to rest on his laurels, of course. Planning for a 14th league title has already begun and the trophy for the 13th has not been collected yet. This is where United's mighty commercial muscle is paying off.

"I look at it as being one thing to win the league, another to do it by beating the record. Ninety-six points would be phenomenal."

United have done so many deals recently, most are greeted with a snigger given the unknown significance of companies such as gloops, who were confirmed as their social gaming partner yesterday.



But the cash is regenerated, with some paying off the club's reduced - but still enormous - debts, and the rest filtering into Ferguson's transfer kitty. "It does trickle down," said Ferguson. "Having spoken with the Glazer family, there is every intention to kick on.

"You have to credit the commercial people. They have done a great job. Of course the football team has been the platform for it but they are capitalising on such a great profile for the club. There is no doubt, worldwide, it seems to be getting bigger."

United head to Arsenal on Sunday still with the aim of reaching Chelsea's Premier League points record of 95 points, which they would eclipse by winning their remaining four games. It is those little targets that allow Ferguson to attain so many big ones, and ensure he is never short of an incentive to drive his players with.

"I said last week I don't mind winning the league in the last game of the season," he said. "Now we have won the league with four games left, I look at it as being one thing to win the league, another to do it by beating the record. Ninety-six points would be phenomenal. I don't know if that could ever be beaten."

Medals aplenty

It also seems Ferguson's team selection will not be influenced by kindness. Anders Lindegaard for instance still requires two more appearances to reach the ten previously viewed as the minimum requirement to qualify for a medal.



It seems such restrictions no longer apply, which is good news for both Alexander Buttner and Darren Fletcher, who is still trying to overcome a chronic bowel complaint that required surgery which ruled him out for the season.

"They will get medals," said Ferguson. "The system has changed now. They give you an allocated number of medals now which you can distribute the way you want. That is fair because it is only injury that has prevented Darren Fletcher from getting a medal.



"Buttner has been involved in every away game and every training session and it is very difficult for a goalkeeper to get ten games when your first choice goalkeeper has performed the way (David) De Gea has. He deserves his medal too."