Source: Manchester_EveningNews
United under pressure to splash the cash
SIR Alex Ferguson is considering finally splashing more of the £80m he received for Cristiano Ronaldo. The United boss is coming under increased pressure to splash the cash following the shock defeat by Burnley before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Top of his wanted list remain Valencia pair David Silva and David Villa, as well as Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery. Fergie has kept a close eye on Silva and Villa, while he enquired about Ribery at the end of last season. He has so far been put off making a move for any of those targets after being quoted exorbitant asking prices - but time is running out to boost his squad. Ferguson has been stunned by United's poor start to the season - narrowly beating Birmingham and then losing at Turf Moor on Wednesday. But he knows he has the financial muscle to turn his side's fortunes around, and is closer than ever to dipping into his massive war-chest. United have so far only spent a fraction of the £80m they got for Ronaldo - around £16m on Antonio Valencia and £2m on Gabriel Obertan, while Michael Owen was a free signing. Ferguson has declared his spending is over for this transfer window, but he has continued to monitor the European market. While he will not panic in the face of one defeat, the start to the season has only highlighted the deficiencies in his squad. And he must now decide whether to risk damaging his side's Premier League and Champions League chances by keeping his chequebook closed until the transfer window reopens in January. Who should United go for? Have your say.
