Ferguson demands new players

Sir Alex (l) sits with Peter Kenyon at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a swipe at the Manchester United board, claiming it would be a "real kick in the teeth" if they fail to make any big-name signings this summer.

Ferguson returned from holiday to tell chief executive Peter Kenyon that he still believes the team needs a couple of fresh faces.

Ferguson has always maintained that the £19m signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy should just be the first of a number of high-profile arrivals at Old Trafford.

This is a very important summer for Manchester United

  Sir Alex Ferguson

This conflicts with Kenyon's view stated last week that the squad needs just the "odd tweak".

Ferguson does not agree and he is clearly disgruntled that the club have still not bought anyone on his summer hitlist.

And he increased the pressure on Kenyon further by claiming all eyes would be on the United supremo in his first full summer in charge to see how he performs in the transfer market.

"I made the point at the end of the season that we need to bring in a couple of top players," Ferguson said.

"I think this is also an important summer for Peter Kenyon.

"This will be his first close season in the transfer market since he got the job last year and it is his first chance to let United fans know that he's trying his best.

Peter Kenyon must deal with Ferguson's desire for new blood at the club

"They'll be waiting with baited breath to see what happens and I think there will be real disappointment for everyone if nothing happens.

Ferguson did not hold back and he claimed it would be hard for his players to repeat past achievements without new blood.

"Unlike at the start of other seasons when this was a blossoming team, I think the squad now needs and wants a challenge," he said in the Manchester Evening News.

"I can sense that in the dressing room.

"As a group they still take a hell of a lot of beating, but there comes a point where that stops and you have to go on further.

"I think they've come to the point where they need a new challenge and they need new big-name faces in the dressing room to provide that.

"If we don't bring in new players during this summer, I think it will be very difficult for the players in the new season."

United are poised to placate Ferguson with the signing of Juan Veron from Lazio.

The deal is at an advanced stage, although it is no secret that Ferguson would prefer Patrick Vieira.

United are monitoring developments at Arsenal and are understood to be ready with a bid if the Gunners agree to sell the wantaway midfield star.

Ferguson backs Irwin

Meanwhile, Sitr Alex has made a last-ditch plea to Denis Irwin to stay atthe club.

Irwin officially became a free agent on Sunday, after failing to agree a new one-year contract with United and is wanted by a number of clubs including Watford and Coventry.

The 35-year-old full-back will decide his future this week and Ferguson made one last attempt to persuade him to sign on for another 12 months at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex hopes Irwin (above) will stay with the club

Irwin, who is United's longest-serving player, lost his first-team place to Mikael Silvestre last season but Ferguson insists he is still a key part of his plans.

"I want Denis to stay," Ferguson said in the Manchester Evening News.

"Having already seen Teddy Sheringham go to Spurs I don't want to see that kind of experience going out of Old Trafford.

"It's important that we hold on to the great experience that Denis brings to the club."