Fergie losing Berba battle

United boss facing a race against time

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd August 2008

Manchester United v Portsmouth Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson: Quiet summer

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Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is "less optimistic" of making any new signings this summer.

The Manchester United boss has been unusually quiet in the transfer market this year, failing to add any new faces to his double-winning squad of last season.

He has been strongly linked with a move for Tottenham's Bulgarian ace Dimitar Berbatov, but appears to be making slow progress.

The Red Devils chief did admit that he continues to pursue a solitary target, without naming Berbatov as that man, but conceded that he is not confident of completing the deal before the transfer window closes on 1st September.

"I'm feeling less optimistic right now," said Ferguson.

"We are looking at something, but if it doesn't come off then we will carry on as we are."

Unspectacular

Ferguson is keen to bolster his attacking unit after seeing Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves ruled out of his early season plans.

Ronaldo is not expected to return to action until October, while Hargreaves and Giggs are currently nursing knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

United made an unspectacular start to the defence of their Premier League title last weekend, grinding out a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

They travel to FA Cup holders Portsmouth on Monday, in a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, desperate to gain some momentum.

Skipper

The international break should ensure that Ferguson's men are in peak condition, while the United boss also expects Rio Ferdinand to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on the England captaincy to Chelsea's John Terry.

"It was always going to be a close call," said Ferguson. "But I'm sure it will not affect him.

"He's proved himself as a centre-back and it was purely a choice the England manager had to make."