Ferguson admits 'No more signings' with the capture of Buttner

24 August 2012 11:17

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says the club's shopping for the current transfer window has been concluded with the purchase of defender Alexander Buttner.

Buttner's move to United from Vitesse Arnhem was confirmed earlier this week, the Dutch full-back becoming the fourth new arrival of the summer at Old Trafford following the signings of midfielders Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa and centre-forward Robin van Persie.

Buttner was officially unveiled at a press conference on Friday morning and the Scot revealed United would not be splashing any more cash before next week's transfer deadline. "We definitely won't be buying anyone else, that is for sure," Ferguson said.

The likes of striker Dimitar Berbatov and winger Nani have been linked with moves away from Old Trafford and asked if there would be any likely departures, Ferguson said: "There is no movement I can tell you about, to be honest with you. There is only a few days left now until the deadline and that will pass quite quickly I would imagine."

United also announced this week that teenage striker Angelo Henriquez is to join them from Universidad de Chile having been granted a work permit.

United got their 2012-13 Barclays Premier League campaign off to a losing start with a 1-0 defeat at Everton on Monday night, a game in which Ferguson - unable to call upon Phil Jones (back), Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling (both foot) and Rio Ferdinand (leg) - was forced to field a make-shift defence.

The manager confirmed on Friday morning that none of that quartet would be fit for the Fulham match, joking: "I've recalled Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister! No, it is the same as Monday night unfortunately. Phil Jones started training yesterday, but it is too early for him."

Ferguson said Buttner would be involved on Saturday, although most likely starting on the bench, adding: "Patrice Evra could actually play at centre-back, he has done in the past. But it (Buttner's arrival) gives us a stronger squad, that is the most important thing."

Van Persie made his United debut as a substitute in the Everton game and Ferguson hinted the Holland international - recruited from Arsenal for a reported £24million - could be promoted to the first XI on Saturday.

"He has had a few days' training since Monday," Ferguson said. "In an ideal world, he would be better for two or three games under his belt, and he hasn't got that. But it is a home game and there is every chance he could start."

Source: PA