Harry had cruel summer - Fergie

20 August 2011 09:35
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Harry Redknapp has faced a difficult summer at Tottenham amid interest in Luka Modric.[LNB] For Redknapp, it has been a case of wondering whether Modric will leave White Hart Lane as Chelsea have sternly tested the resolve of chairman Daniel Levy.[LNB]Levy has repeatedly stated the Croatian playmaker is not for sale at any price, and has so far been true to his word in rejecting bids from the Blues of £22million and £27million.[LNB]However, the fact Modric did not play in Thursday night's Europa League play-off demolition of Hearts, amidst claims of a thigh injury, has fuelled talk he could leave before the transfer window closes as he is not cup tied for European competition.[LNB]The flip side for Redknapp is that he knows with a £30million kitty at his disposal from the potential sale of Modric, he could add to a squad he has barely strengthened over the past few months.[LNB]With Spurs due at Old Trafford on Monday, and with rumours Modric could play, Ferguson said: "Tottenham have said they're never going to sell him. That's what Daniel Levy has said.[LNB]"But then you've a feeling if someone comes in with the right offer he will be sold, and that's difficult for Harry, to work out Daniel Levy's thinking.[LNB]"I know Harry wants to bring in a couple of players, no doubt about that, because what he has achieved the last couple of seasons has been brilliant.[LNB]"So it has been difficult for Harry getting through the summer not quite sure what's going to happen.[LNB]"It could yet happen before the window closes he gets two or three players in, and I think he's hoping for that.[LNB]"I listened to him on the radio saying he could get four players in for the money. That's what he is thinking.[LNB]"In other words, giving him a bigger squad to compete in all the tournaments Spurs are in, and to challenge for the Premier League. So he was looking at improving his options."[LNB]For Ferguson, his options are very much youth-oriented these days, with one of the youngest teams he has selected for many seasons to take to the Old Trafford pitch on Monday.[LNB]With defenders Rio Ferdinand and captain Nemanja Vidic sidelined, Jonny Evans and new acquisition Phil Jones, 23 and 19 respectively, form the centre-back pairing, with 21-year-old Chris Smalling at right-back.[LNB]Add in new goalkeeper David de Gea and Danny Welbeck (both 20), Tom Cleverley (22), Anderson (23), Nani (24) and Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney at 25, there is a fountain of youth at Old Trafford these days which excites Ferguson.[LNB]With Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes all retired, Ferguson said: "We were always aware we had players who were coming to the end of their careers. That has been on the horizon for us for quite a few years.[LNB]"We knew it was going to happen, you don't want it to, but it does and there's nothing you can do about it. Age catches up with us all.[LNB]"So we've replaced the players who have left us, and we've still players at the club in their 30s, which is a lot of experience.[LNB]"At some point when the young players may hit a pocket there will be enough experience to augment the challenge we're after this year.[LNB]"It is a very young team at the moment, but it's one full of energy and of great ability, and I'm enjoying watching them."

Source: Team_Talk