Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie cools starlet reports

17 Oct 2008 - 14:22:08

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Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports that he is attempting to bring Brazilian teenager Douglas Costa to Manchester United.

The 18-year-old Gremio midfielder, who has been dubbed 'the new Ronaldinho', was reported to be the subject of a bid from the Old Trafford club.

But Ferguson claims that the reports of a multi-million pound move for the highly-rated youngster are wide of the mark.

"We've invested in two full-time scouts in Brazil and it's a country that produces fantastic footballers," he told the club's official website.

"Brazilians can often play in big games all the time and they have an energy and enthusiasm to play football.

"You have to follow the trends in football. Once upon a time in England the north-east was a great hunting ground for scouts. It goes in cycles.

"But when you see names it doesn't necessarily mean we're actually going to sign someone.

"People see our scouts at games and jump to conclusions. They think 'Manchester United are here, they must be watching such and such a player'.

"Just because we watch them doesn't mean we're going to sign them."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed that all the players away on international duty during the past ten days have returned to Old Trafford without any fresh injury problems.

Only midfield trio Michael Carrick (foot), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Paul Scholes (knee) missed training ahead of Saturday's meeting with West Bromwich Albion.

"There were no injuries, which is always a good thing," Ferguson added.

"Also most players came back with good results. I always hope they get victories. Most of them had quite good experiences this week, which gives them confidence."