Sir Alex Ferguson has handed Michael Owen the Manchester United number seven shirt - and declared Old Trafford closed for transfer business.

It was anticipated Ferguson would make further signings in addition to Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan, who joined last week from Bordeaux.

But, faced with a market over-inflated by Real Madrid and Manchester City, Ferguson has decided his current squad is good enough to challenge for an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title, even though Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have left.

He said: “It is the end of our business, so all these stories about who we are supposed to be getting - forget it.”

It means Owen will take over Ronaldo’s shirt and his place in an attacking line-up containing Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, plus youngsters Daniel Welbeck and Federico Macheda, who will both be given a chance to prove they are worthy of the accolades that have been bestowed on them.

“They are both young players - but young players with ability always get a chance here.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped new signing Antonio Valencia to make a significant contribution to Manchester United’s bid for an unprecedented fourth league title on the trot.

United confirmed their first summer arrival this evening as the 23-year-old signed a lucrative four-year contract.

Although the Red Devils have not specified a fee, it is believed they have spent around £16million of the world record £80million banked from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.

And, while it is not expected Valencia will represent the end of Ferguson’s spending, the United boss is already tipping the South American to make a big impact.

“Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan,” he said.

“I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.”

If nothing else, Valencia’s arrival ensures Wayne Rooney should be given the more central berth he craves next season as the Ecuador star is unlikely to venture into the middle quite as much as Ronaldo.

As he has already gone through the Premier League settling-in period after spending two seasons with the Latics, there are no worries over whether Valencia can adapt either.

His lack of English may be a concern initially, although the main doubt of most United fans is a goalscoring return of just seven in 83 appearances for Wigan and four in 34 for his country.

Even though few would expect Valencia alone to match Ronaldo’s phenomenal recent output, better will be expected from a player who spent a short time as a team-mate of former United star Diego Forlan at Villarreal.

Forlan’s experience proves players of high quality can struggle to make an impact at Old Trafford, although Valencia is looking forward to the opportunity.

“Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,” he said.

“I have enjoyed my time at Wigan but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

“Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

The first Ecuadorian to play for United will get his first opportunity on a four-match tour of Asia next month, before the Red Devils head for a four-team tournament in Munich.

By the time Ferguson’s side wrap up their pre-season programme against Valencia at Old Trafford on August 5 and head to Wembley for the Community Shield showdown with Chelsea, Valencia will have expected to be accustomed to his new surroundings.

Having turned down an approach from Real Madrid, Valencia is clearly keen to make an impact, although it is a measure of the vast sums of money that has been spent at the Bernabeu, what would normally constitute a significant signing - and is a club record for Wigan - is almost being greeted with a shrug of the shoulders.

“I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me,” said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.

“I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here.”

according to manchester united’s official website,

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has warned Manchester United that Antonio Valencia will decide his own future. Whelan revealed he has received “acceptable” bids of between £14 and £18million from United and Real Madrid, but it is up to the Ecuador winger, who returns to England this weekend. Sources close to Valencia suggest he will opt for United because of Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at Real, but Whelan said: “There are offers on the table acceptable to Wigan, but what we will finish up with I don’t know. It’s no use me saying he is going to Manchester United – he is the boss. One club could offer £2m more, but if Antonio doesn’t want to go there then there’s no point.”
Richard Tanner, Daily Express

According to the Daily Mail, Atletico Madrid have told United they will not sell Sergio Aguero for less than £50million, while the Daily Star claims the Reds will have to fork out at least £52m to secure the Argentine’s services. The tabloid also reckons Giuseppe Rossi’s agent has alerted United that the striker may be available after talks over a new Villarreal contract stalled.

In other news, the Daily Mirror say Real Madrid could hijack United’s bid to land Karim Benzema after claiming they have given up the chase for Valencia’s David Villa.

Finally, Hull boss Phil Brown has begged Fraizer Campbell to listen to the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson and join Hull. Brown revealed how Sir Alex has told Campbell that joining the Tigers would be the best move for his career.

Note: The extracts on this post are taken from selected national newspapers. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United.

A short while ago CNN website reported that Manchester United will start the negotiations to buy the Wigan winger Antonio Valencia.

Here’s How the news read,
(CNN) — English Premier League side Wigan Athletic have confirmed that negotiations over the transfer of winger Antonio Valencia to Manchester United are expected to start “very shortly”.

Meanwhile, Wigan are still waiting to confirm Roberto Martinez as their new manager in succession to Steve Bruce, who recently left to join Sunderland.
Martinez is currently coach of Championship side Swansea City but the two clubs are haggling over a compensation fee for the Spaniard’s backroom staff.

I hope he gets into United side, and I have a funny feeling that he will. Till then we can only pray to God.

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