Sir Alex eyes boost to blunt United front
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson refused to rule out a move for former Arsenal idol Thierry Henry after seeing his side claim their first silverware of the season at Wembley.
United started the new season as they ended the last: with a penalty shoot-out victory against a team in blue and a trophy held aloft.
But while the Champions League final win against Chelsea was a feast for fans and neutrals alike, yesterday’s thrill-free curtain-raiser would have tested the diehards.
Premier League champions United created the better openings, with midfielder Darren Fletcher twice going close and striker Carlos Tevez testing the ageing reflexes of veteran England goalkeeper David James. But without side-lined duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who contributed goals 62 between them last season, they lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
Ferguson’s attempts to add to his attacking options, notably the pursuit of Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbatov, have failed, but the Scot acknowledged the urgent need to bring in a forward. And he pointedly declined the opportunity to deny reports of a move for all-time record Gunners striker Henry, who has failed to blossom since joining Barcelona last summer.
“There is a name every day,” said Ferguson. “I can’t answer the question because I don’t have the right answer. “It’s possible I’ll sign someone this week. We’re trying and we’re looking at one or two options. Hopefully we’ll get something done.”
Shootout misses by Lassana Diarra, Arnold Mvuemba and Glen Johnson handed United victory, although they might have won it from the spot earlier had referee Peter Walton spotted Herman Hreidarsson’s blatant hauling down of Tevez.