By David Hobbs
November 5 2005

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he needs to battle hard with Chelsea and act quick in the transfer market in an attempt to lure top players to Old Trafford.

Over the past few years, United have missed out on top talent such as Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and most recently Michael Essien to the Blues for extravagant transfer fees.

The Glazer family has promised Sir Alex Ferguson he can spend as much as want on players, but if Fergie was in Chelsea's expensive shoes at United, he'd rather spread the cash around the club rather than focus on players. "I probably wouldn't use that money, if I had it, as much as they do anyway because it's important to still have a healthy youth system, and we have that," said Ferguson.

"I wouldn't mind that kind of money but managing this club is different."

He continued: "What has changed for us, post-Abramovich, is how we view ourselves in terms of our development or bringing players in from another club," he said.

"If we're doing something we have to be really quick and decisive now before Chelsea find out about it."

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]