Ferguson Pours Cold Water On Berbatov, Hutton Reports

Sir Alex Ferguson has previously said he prefers to buy in the summer rather than mid-season. And now he has said he does not plan any new signings this month - despite the fact two players he is known to admire, Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov and Rangers defender Alan Hutton - have been linked with a possible switch to Old Trafford.

But Ferguson insists he has no plans to bring in any new faces, and has reiterated that he is happy with his current squad.

"It is the old game they play," said Ferguson knowingly.

"Everyone's trying to play a game, trying to create speculation about who you are going to buy - and of course we would have to be buying someone wouldn't we?

"It is the name of the game for Manchester United."

Ferguson has loaned young Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans to Sunderland until the end of the season, because he believes Evans will benefit from the experience.

"We have let Jonny Evans go on loan to Sunderland and the reason for that is simply that he has not had enough football this first half of the season and the injury he had derailed him certainly.

"We think we are well covered in the centre back position, so much so that we can let Jonny go there and get the experience because he is going to be a top player.

"He will come back a better player for us because of the experience of going to Sunderland for the next four months.

"He is 19 years of age and an excellent prospect."