Ferguson sets sights on three new players

SIR Alex Ferguson has confirmed he intends to make three new signings this summer.

It was always likely to be a time of change at Manchester United given Edwin van der Sar is due to follow Gary Neville into retirement and Paul Scholes has yet to confirm whether he will extend his career by a further season.

In addition, there are major doubts over senior figures such as Michael Owen, Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves.

And while youngsters Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley will be given their chance after impressing during loan spells with Sunderland and Wigan Athletic respectively, Ferguson realises he must bring in new blood.

“We have some ideas in mind,” said the United boss at the club’s awards ceremony at Old Trafford. “Hopefully we can get them put in place.

“We have Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes coming towards the end of their careers, Gary Neville has already retired and Edwin van der Sar is retiring, so there are holes we want to plug up in terms of the safety and security of the team for the next few years.

“Of course, we have some excellent young players and a lot of them have progressed, which gives us a great, powerful squad.

“I am looking at maybe three signings which would boost our overall quality in our team.”

In addition to Nani scooping the players’ player of the year prize, Javier Hernandez was crowned fans’ player of the year, with Wayne Rooney the overwhelming choice for goal of the season for his magnificent overhead kick against Manchester City at Old Trafford in February.