Manchester United FC

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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United close on striker deal

09 Aug 2008 - 11:32:39

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to sign a new striker before his side begin the defence of their Premier League title.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dimitar Berbatov is widely believed to be Ferguson's main target, with United short on attacking options due to the ongoing injury problems of Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo's recent ankle operation.

Ferguson said: "We are looking at three or four different options in the striking department which I hope will come to a happy conclusion.

"Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."

Meanwhile, the veteran Scot has voiced his support for French striker Saha, who has been plagued by injuries during his four and a half years at Old Trafford.

Ferguson added: "You don't want to give up on people like that just because they have had a few injuries.

"When he is fit, Louis is an explosive player who will guarantee 20 goals a season. He is on a programme at the moment which we feel will get him to 100 per cent fitness.

"It is more about his confidence in doing this programme which will get him back playing all the time. Hopefully that is the case, because he is such a fantastic player."