Ferguson: Maybe One More Signing

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes he could make "possibly one more" signing during the summer transfer window.

Ferguson has already brought in Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and youngster Nick Powell from Crewe, while Michael Owen and Park Ji-Sung are the big names to have left the club so far.

It has been reported that United are in the market for a left back, with Everton's Leighton Baines linked with an arrival, while midfield is thought to be an area that could be further bolstered.

But Ferguson was coy when asked about his remaining transfer dealings, saying: "There will possibly be one more. We have always done well in terms of getting players in at the end of the season. That is the right time.

"But always in a European Championship or World Cup year, there is a delay in the transfer industry. That is over now and we are still trying to get one more in."

Ferguson admitted he would not abandon the continental market in his search for young talent despite suffering another setback this summer with the departure of Paul Pogba.

"The important thing is to look at the ability of a player, and also character, which is important too,'' he said. "It is not a matter of signing him because he is English.

"We were disappointed in Paul Pogba. He showed a lack of respect to the club. Although we always felt he was going, he never intimated it until he left. That is disappointing. But he has made his decision.''

Nevertheless, with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules now in force, and an increasing onus on home grown talent, Powell's arrival ticks a few boxes, in addition to bringing the promise of increased longevity.

"It is always better if you get the best English players,'' added Ferguson. "You never know how football is going to change in terms of regulations for a start and it could be that home based players become very important.''

Ferguson confirmed he had spoken to old friend and Crewe director of football Dario Gradi about Powell, who will be part of United's first-team squad this season, and they, together with the player himself, believe the teenager can be of most value in a central midfield role, rather than the advanced position he occupied last season.

United had sealed the transfer prior to last term's play-offs, which has proved to be an astute piece of business given Powell's brilliant Wembley winner against Gillingham. However, whilst he accepts the step up he is being asked to make could hardly be greater, Powell is approaching his task with relish.

"It is a whole different world,'' he said. "At Crewe it is one camera and one person. At Manchester United it is the whole world.

"Crewe to Manchester United is the biggest step and I still have a lot of developing to do. But I am hoping to achieve what everyone expects me to achieve. I want to be a Manchester United player.''