OLE IS THE MAN

"To win back the Premiership and to do well in the Champions League I
believe United needed to buy a top quality striker during the summer. They
haven't adequately replace Dwight Yorke or Andy Cole.

"I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson did his best to recruit someone but obviously
there wasn't anybody good enough who was available. So we have to go with
what we've got and having scored so many goals between them last year
Ruud and Ole can do it.

"But van Nistelrooy is struggling because he's not had a proper partner this
term. Ruud needs a top class forward with him on a regular basis. I think
Yorkie at his best or an Eric Cantona or Teddy Sheringham is actually the
ideal foil for him. Players who can come short and turn defenders.

The Uruguayan Garry Birtles! Pearson's a little worried.

"You could argue they are down to two senior goalscorers because is Diego
Forlan a striker, a midfield player or a winger? He doesn't look like a striker at
the minute so you really only have two front men," Pearson said.

"Forlan is going to have to start scoring soon or it could become a major,
major issue for him. You ask Garry Birtles about a goal drought, it can destroy
you.

"It is no good coming on and smiling when you miss a chance you have to get
the job done. People expect it when you come for £7.5m."