Ferguson's Pessimism Over Recruits

By his recent standards Sir Alex Ferguson has been very inactive this summer, and has told Sky Sports that he is less optimistic about landing his targets...

Sir Alex was one of the busiest shoppers in the last transfer window, snapping up Anderson Abreu, Luis Nani, Owen Hargreaves on long term deals, as well as Carlos Tevez on loan with a view to buy.

This summer the double winning head coach has not been as productive, but his long-term dalliance with Dimitar Berbatov has oft been speculated.

"I'm feeling less optimistic right now," Ferguson is quoted by Sky Sports as saying. "We are looking... but if it doesn't come off then we will carry on as we are."

Manchester United are keen to bolster their forward line to take the heat off of Carlos Tevez, and Wayne Rooney.

The Red Devils visit Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth on Monday, the third time they have met over the last month, having defeated them on penalties in the Community Shield, and defeating them in a pre-season friendly staged in Nigeria.

Alan Dawson