No new buys for Ferguson

Manchester United do not need to make any signings in the January transfer window according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said they would ‘definitely not’ be making any inclusions during the transfer period and the squad they use to travel to West Brom on New Year’s Day is already strong enough.

There will, however, be movement in the other direction, with 19-year-old Italian forward Federico Macheda heading out on loan to gain experience.

United will again be without midfield ace Paul Scholes for the West Brom match as Ferguson has told the 35-year-old to rest for a few weeks.

The Red Devils could only manage a draw at Birmingham in midweek and could desperately do with his presence to beef up the midfield on Saturday.

Ferguson said: “Paul had a little recurrence of the groin injury. We just told him to have a complete break, which is what he has done.”

“Hopefully that break will get rid of the injury problem through rest and we will have him back training sometime next week.”

United have scored 10 goals in their last three visits to West Brom, but Ferguson said they have been a different prospect altogether since rejoining the Premier League this season.

“We expect a tough game on Saturday. West Brom have been a refreshing team this season – they play the right way and have a good threat,” Ferguson said.

“Their goal tally has been very good this season, particularly away from home. So we know it won’t be easy.”

Ferguson promised to make changes to the side and suggested Portuguese winger Nani (hip) could return to the fold.