Man Utd boss Ferguson: The new signings are not replacements

Fergie said: “The new arrivals represent our future — don’t jump to the conclusion I am trying to hurry our older players out of the team.

“You have to acknowledge that Ryan Giggs is 33 and Paul Scholes is 32 but, in my view, both have another three years in them.

“They have both looked after themselves and are extremely fit so there are no worries there.

“The new signings are not replacements, they are there to strengthen our resources. Injuries took their toll on the final lap last season.”