Sir Alex Ferguson ‘perfectly happy’ with Manchester United squad

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he will not rush into the January transfer market unless a “top-class” player becomes available.

Ashley Young has become the latest United player to be sidelined and he joins the likes of Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Tom Cleverley on the extensive Old Trafford injury list.

But the 69-year-old United boss says he is “perfectly happy” with the players currently at his disposal. “All things being equal I am perfectly happy with the strength of our squad in terms of depth, quality and age range,” Ferguson wrote in his programme notes for the Boxing Day clash with Wigan.

“I will not be swayed by the endless tweets and blogs urging the club to get busy in the transfer market next month.

“As far as I am concerned I am marching perfectly in step, true to my beliefs and principles. While recruiting some of the world’s leading players can lift you into contention for honours, it doesn’t necessarily take you all the way, as I hope we will be able to demonstrate before the end of the season as other factors come into play.

“You can never say never in football, of course, because fortunes can fluctuate wildly – that’s the football world.

“If a really top-class player became available, then we would go for him, or if we picked up any further serious injuries, it might be important to add to our squad.”