'No hurry' for Ruud replacement
'No hurry' for Ruud replacement
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Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough were both given plenty to think about ahead of the new Premiership season after both suffering shock friendly defeats. |  |
Saturday, 29, Jul 2006 09:46
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is in no rush to sign a replacement for departed frontman Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Dutchman completed his move to Real Madrid yesterday after saying all summer that he wanted to leave the club.
United had been linked with a number of strikers before the 30-year-old left but Ferguson insists he won't be rushing out to sign the first available player and he is happy to give Giuseppe Rossi a chance.
"We want to see Giuseppe progress as a centre-forward and it is looking more likely he will stay with us now," Ferguson said.
"We are not going to be stupid and just pay the price other clubs want as you have to negotiate and sometimes, you have to be patient."
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres and Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe have both been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford but Torres has insisted he's staying in Spain and Spurs have denied Defoe is available.
Currently, Michael Carrick is the only major signing to arrive this summer and Ferguson insists he wants to strengthen his midfield further before focussing on other areas.
"We have targeted several players but in my experience, these things take time," Ferguson added.
Carrick is expected to make his United debut at next weekend's Amsterdam tournament, possibly against Porto on Friday.