Source: Manchester_EveningNews
David Sadler column
SIR Alex Ferguson doesn't make a habit of spending heavily in the January transfer window and I don't expect him to this season either. He will know United have not hit the heights yet this season, but he cannot fail to be pleased with the way the campaign has gone so far. With Owen Hargreaves set to return and Gabriel Obertan making a promising start, Fergie can only hope there is more to come. That doesn't mean he won't do some fine tuning in the New Year. Even if United's defence has looked shakier than usual in recent weeks, I remain confident about the personnel and the strength in depth. But that is arguably not the case in midfield and attack. Much will depend on how Hargreaves returns - and should he make a full recovery from his double knee operation, Ferguson will be able to call upon a truly world class performer to boost an area where United have been found wanting on occasion. The Reds boss is too reliant on Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in the centre. Shy United have looked shot-shy this season - and for all their promise, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda don't look ready to push for regular first-team places. Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen are impressive foils for Wayne Rooney, but you wonder if Ferguson will be tempted to add more firepower in January. He has already hinted he would like to spend during the window, which is not his usual style. United find it difficult enough to find a bargain with prices usually inflated when they come knocking - add to that the fact that they've got the best part of £80m burning a hole in their pocket and it is understandable Ferguson will look to tread carefully. What's more, the very fact he will be looking for someone in January will convince selling clubs United are desperate and therefore willing to pay over the odds. It was the inflated transfer market that convinced Fergie to spend only modestly last summer, and I'd be surprised if he is willing to change that philosophy in January. So don't expect Europe's biggest names to arrive at Old Trafford this winter.
