Source: Manchester_EveningNews
United eye super six
UNITED may not have bagged Premier League points at Stamford Bridge last Sunday but they pocketed brownie points with Sir Alex Ferguson, fans and critics alike. Their controversial defeat to Chelsea was bitter-sweet. They restored belief after their last big-game shambles against Liverpool at Anfield with a creditable display that deserved some reward. But there are many who believe the champions still need some fine-tuning and there is unfinished work from the summer transfer window. Then, only £16m Antonio Valencia, free agent Michael Owen and unknown £3m Gabriel Obertan arrived to replace the departed Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. With an early Champions League qualification and only a five-points gap to league leaders Chelsea, the Reds are no worse off than last term, but they need to target re-inforcements. The Glazers continue to insist they are backing the funding of Fergie's squad with as much money as is needed but Old Trafford fans have questioned the lack of top bracket imports. With the January transfer window only 50 days away, managers and supporters are drawing up their New Year wish-lists. United's focus looks set to be mainly on the goalkeeping situation and more senior firepower to add to the Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Owen strikeforce that has not fully convinced it has the output to sustain the Reds in another exhausting season. In goal, Edwin van der Sar has won back his place easily but was 39 at the end of last month. Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak have not done enough to support their claims as his successor. Though Owen Hargreaves is on his way back, until he has fully proven himself, another top class addition in midfield wouldn't go amiss. Here MEN Sport takes a look at potential January buys for Fergie: MANUEL NEUER CLUB: Schalke AGE: 23 POSITION: Goalkeeper STRENGTHS: At 6ft 4ins The German Under 21 keeper is an impressive figure and dominates his area. Despite his size he is agile and has good distribution qualities AVAILABILITY: Bayern Munich will be United's main rivals for the signature of Germany's top prospect. Schalke need the cash but Neuer said recently, "I am going to stay, this issue was a public issue already last summer. Then I also stayed on at Schalke 04. I am a Schalke player and I like being a Schalke player. I am not going to end up part of speculation!" Chances of deal 80% IGOR AKINFEEV CLUB: CSKA Moscow AGE: 23 POSITION: Goalkeeper STRENGTHS: The Russian No1 and CSKA captain is a terrific shot-stopper as he proved first-hand against the Reds both in Moscow and Old Trafford in the Champions League. He also possesses a kick like a mule. AVAILABILITY: His height has meant United have actually been pretty low-key checking him out as a contender. Fergie praised him after United's matches against CSKA saying, "I thought the goalkeeper was outstanding. He was very impressive." Going public on a potential target is not the United manager's style which might suggest he is not high on the radar. Chances of deal 70% MAROUANE CHAMAK CLUB: Bordeaux AGE: 25 POSITION: Striker STRENGTHS: The Moroccan international was one of the front men who helped spearhead Bordeaux's surprise French League title win last season. Tall and good in the air and can play as a lone striker. AVAILABILITY: A host of Premier League clubs were alerted to his potential after last season's success with Arsene Wenger admitting Arsenal were keen and close to signing the Ronaldo lookalike but were put off by a £15m valuation. United have an in with Chamakh's former team-mate Gabriel Obertan at Old Trafford already. Chances of deal 80% FRANK RIBERY CLUB: Bayern Munich AGE: 26 POSITION: Midfield STRENGTHS: Plays on the left side of midfield and has pace an ability to go past defenders. The French international also boasts a good goalscoring record. Louis Van Gaal has employed him playing behind two attackers but that caused a rift earlier in the season. AVAILABILITY: Bayern Munich are struggling in the Bundesliga and face a possible Champions League group exit and Ribery is alleged to be unhappy at the Allianz Arena. Next summer is his likely departure date but the Germans may be tempted in January. Now Chelsea have had their buying ban lifted they are said to be keen. City could also rekindle their interest. Chances of deal 70% DAVID VILLA CLUB: Valencia AGE: 27 POSITION: Striker STRENGTHS: Spain's all-time top scorer behind Real Madrid's Raul and a natural hit-man. A worker up-front who can also create chances for colleagues hence his great international working relationship with Liverpool's Fernando Torres AVAILABILITY: Valencia are in financial difficulty and he is the club's biggest saleable asset. They resisted Real Madrid during the summer but time could be ripe for the Spaniards to cash in. Chances of deal 80% DAVID SILVA CLUB: Valencia AGE: 23 POSITION: Midfield/winger STRENGTHS: Slight of frame but is versatile along the midfield able to play on either wing or just behind the front men. AVAILABILITY: Like David Villa he is one of Valencia's assets during their financial crisis. Chances of deal 70%
