FERGIE TO PICK AND MIX

Last updated : 11 July 2007 By Editor

"We have spent a lot of money this summer, but it has given us a really strong squad. That was our downfall last season. We had a great opportunity to win the Treble but we didn't have enough bodies to stretch our squad out and save legs when we wanted to.

"I regretted allowing some of the young players to stay out on loan in January. If I had been selfish and kept them we would have had a terrific chance of getting to the final of the European Cup and a good chance of winning the FA Cup.

"When you talk about the profile of this club, we should have done better in Europe. Last season was the third Champions League semi-final we have failed in and we are not happy with that. We should be doing better and signing these players does give us a bigger chance.


Ferguson refers to his bigger squad this season:

"Yes, it is going to take some management, but players today understand quite clearly that, in order to challenge for everything, you do need a strong squad and it means that they don't play all the games.
"No one will play all the games next year and hopefully they will accept that and move on to the business of trying to achieve success for us.

"I don't expect anyone to go, but it is possible that it may happen because of the number of players we have. Nani and Anderson are young players who will have the time to adapt to the way of our club. They won't play every game next season, they are for the future.

"Owen will bring speed and great energy to our midfield. And what is really important is that he has a wealth of European experience from his Bayern Munich days which a lot of our players don't have."