City have rejected a shock bid from Utd for Ireland

• limpper

  30 Aug 09, 13:01

  Man Utd boss Ferguson: Ronaldo cash still available

  Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told fans he doesn't need to add to his squad.

  In his match notes ahead of last night's victory over Arsenal, Ferguson told the United Review: "I know we have the right squad and I trust them.

  "It is an insult to suggest that I could somehow lose my faith in my players overnight."

  Ferguson is comfortable with the situation as it is, believing the current market has been inflated by the spending of both Real Madrid and Manchester City.

  "The bulk of the £80million fee we got from Real Madrid is still there and seems to be burning a hole in the pockets of a lot of fans," said Ferguson.

  "But you don't suddenly scrap your transfer policy because of one defeat, even if it was a bad one.

  "I have explained our strategy, based on my confidence in our squad with a few new faces and more eager beavers on the way up, and I have no intention of abandoning it."

• limpper

  30 Aug 09, 13:03

  Man City fought off shock Man Utd bid for Ireland

  Manchester City have rejected a shock bid from Manchester United for midfielder Stephen Ireland.

  The Sunday Mirror says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hoped that the 23-year-old Irishman could be tempted away from Eastlands because Mark Hughes has an embarrassment of midfield riches with Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Vincent Kompany in his squad.

  But United were told that there was no chance of City selling Ireland – their current player of the year – at any price.

  Ireland, who has just signed a five-year deal at City, said: “I want to be part of what happens at City because I think we’re going to achieve great things.

  “I want to be around when that happens. I don’t want to be anywhere else.

  “I’ve been happy here since I came over from Ireland at the age of 14. From then I set my sights on staying at Manchester City and that’s how I still feel.”