Ferguson Hints At Use Of Manchester United's New Breed
Sir Alex feels that United's crop of exciting fringe players can play a key part in their title bid...
Although boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to see his stars start to gel and move up through the gears in the New Year, the Red Devils' squad isn't in need of major surgery.
More likely, however, is the idea of a couple of United's fringe players going out on loan, in order to stay fit and gain some first team experience.
Reports have paid particular attention to Manucho, the powerful 25-year-old Angolan, who joined the club in January 2008 but hasn't yet made a breakthrough.
The striker, who can also play on the left, was previously farmed out to Greek side Panathinaikos, with French Ligue 1 team Le Havre now said to be interested, along with a couple of Premier League strugglers.
Still, Fergie has hinted that Manucho is still in his thoughts. The wily Scot takes comfort from his belief in his fringe players, whom he insists are a key part of United's strength.
He said: "Our pool of players is getting stronger as the younger lads mature and come into the squad, knowing they will perform.
"I am thinking of players like Jonny Evans, Rafael, Darron Gibson, Rodrigo Possebon, Danny Welbeck and Manucho.
"We have a good strong squad and I’m confident we have the men for the task.
"We are only handful of points behind the leaders and we have a good chance of winning the Premier League again."
Of course, Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva have already played in big matches this term, so perhaps there's hope yet for Manucho, who came to England so highly rated.