Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie denies Smith exit

22 Dec 2006 - 13:56:08

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports that Alan Smith could be on his way out of Old Trafford.

Smith has yet to return to make a first-team start following his horrific double leg fractured suffered against Liverpool ten months ago.

The England international has made a handful of substitute appearances and was heavily linked with a loan move to regain his match fitness prior to the deadline last month.

Reports suggested Everton were planning a transfer window move for the 26-year-old, but Ferguson isn't looking to offload the striker.

When asked if he would reject any approach from Everton, the United chief replied: "Yes, that is correct.

"Alan is doing really well at the moment. We put him on a speed programme, which had an immediate effect and we have seen a tremendous improvement in him over the last month.

"He is certainly not far away now.

"I wanted to take him down to West Ham but he didn't want to go. He just wanted to stay and train on his own. He deserves great credit for that because it is not easy.

"He doesn't want to travel again tomorrow either, so he will be training again."