United could finish the season empty handed for only the fifth time in 23 years following Monday's derby defeat, which handed the title initiative to City.
Even if there is another twist in the race with United taking advantage of a City slip-up, Ferguson knows his squad need strengthening – especially after their failure to come through an easy Champions League group and early exits from the Europa League, FA Cup and Carling Cup.
He is lining up bids for Eden Hazard, of Lille, and Tottenham's Luka Modric to add some stardust and creativity to United's midfield department. And he is also eyeing Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente, who scored in both Europa League legs against United, to... read more