Fergie: No Hargreaves sale
25 Oct 2008 - 12:17:29
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports that injury-plagued midfielder Owen Hargreaves is up for sale.
Hargreaves, 27, has started just 17 Premier League games since arriving at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich in July 2007.
The England midfielder cost £18million but has battled continuous tendinitis problems in his knees, which have restricted him to just three appearances this season.
However, Ferguson insists the defensive midfielder remains an integral part of his squad.
Hargreaves was a key performer in last year's Champions League Final victory over Chelsea but a timescale on his return to action this season remains unclear.
"For Owen's sake it is important we say he is not for sale," said Ferguson.
"Selling the boy is not even under consideration.
"It is a good story. The fact he has been injured a few times since he has been at the club.
"But United people remember what a contribution he made to us winning the European Cup.
"He was available in the second half of the season and played some important games for us."