Sir Alex Sort Of… Kind Of… Actually Doesn’t Close the Transfer Window

By: Taylor Rockwell | September 1st, 2009

A lot of news agencies are reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out any other signings prior to the close of the transfer window. That’s not quite the case. In an interview with The Independent, Ferguson admitted that, after the Burnley match, he saw considerable problems with his United side.

“After the Burnley game, I examined our commitment, but after analysing our failings, I didn’t think we were lacking in that area,” Ferguson said. “I must always guard against complacency. Some players can drive themselves on while others are happy to settle for an easy life, but Manchester United cannot afford that kind of player. You don’t suddenly scrap your transfer policy because of one defeat, even if it was a bad one.”

To me, the above paragraph does anything but indicate that Fergie is happily closing up shop. Rather, it seems like he’s utilizing a “past is precedent” logic to rule out a big name signing. As The Guardian’s Richard Williams wrote yesterday, “Perhaps the unhappy and expensive experience with Juan Sebastián Verón undermined Ferguson’s faith in playmakers.” Indeed, it seems a distinct possibility that Fergie would be more than willing to splash some of that Ronaldo money… were he able to find someone who’s cons didn’t outweigh their pros. Consider the following:

1) At this point, Fergie hasn’t been actively pursuing any big names;
2) The current squad has played in two preseason campaigns, the Community Shield, and four Premiership matches;
3) Bringing in a big name would disrupt the established chemistry and would require adjustment and a change in tactics;
4) No world class players (other than dumps) are presently available;
5) Even if a big name/big talent player were available, would their ability justify the exorbitant price tag they would command?

Essentially, I think that Fergie is looking at the market and realizing it’s pretty barren at this point. The need for an attacking center mid is obvious, but where can the solution be found? We’re not picking up Lass Diarra or Diego or anyone of that sort. Ribery will, at this point, cost roughly the same amount as Slave, and he’s just not worth it. What does that leave? Potential gems or potential Verons… and the scales (it seems) would tip in favor of the latter over the former.

So, for better or worse, this will be the United squad for the majority of the campaign. Thus, increased importance will be placed on rehabilitating injuries and maturing/blooding the youth. Gabriel Obertan will need to recover quickly if he is to provide cover for the winger position. Adem Ljajic and Mame Biram Diouf are both expected to join the team in January, and could play limited roles once the fixture list begins to pile up. However, all of those issues pale in comparison to the elephant in the room: Owen Hargreaves.

“The difficult part will be to get him back in the football side of it,” said Ferguson. “I say ‘difficult’ because we’ve not really seen him operate at this moment in time. We’re relying on information we’re getting from the States. We’re certain of one thing, his fitness will be good, his endurance work will have been done, we will just have to gauge when the right time is to put him into the football side of it. You don’t have a player who has been out for over a year and suddenly throw him into the fire right away. I think we’ll be taking our time.” That’s all well and good, but if January rolls around, and the combo of Fletcher/Carrick/Scholes/Anderson/Gibson isn’t getting the job done, how likely is The Purple One to espouse patience? And how much will fans be saying we told you so?