Ferguson resists major overhaul of Man United

Continuing to resist the big-name signings that define Manchester United's European rivals, Alex Ferguson has invested in only two - relatively cheap - youngsters to help deliver a record-breaking 19th English title.

Even a lackluster 2009-10 season by Ferguson's own high standards - with just the League Cup to show for it - hasn't convinced the 68-year-old manager that he needs to overhaul an aging squad.

While Ferguson claims he's not willing to waste the club's cash on overpriced players, fans aggrieved with the Glazer family owners insist such austerity is a necessity with United's debts exceeding $1 billion.

For less than $30 million, 20-year-old defender Chris Smalling has been recruited from Fulham and 22-year-old striker Javier Hernandez has joined from Guadalajara.

They are arriving at a club beset by fan protests that have raged since January, when green-and-gold protest scarves began blanketing fans at Old Trafford.

"I don't see the value in terms of adding to our squad ... just because people want you to buy someone," Ferguson said. "Supporters like you to buy players, they like to see a big signing every year. I think sometimes the players like to see a big signing but for me I think we've got to be sensible about it and look at our own squad."

Looking at it, though, Ferguson is still heavily reliant on an aging quartet: Midfielders Ryan Giggs, 36, and Paul Scholes, 35, defender Gary Neville, 35, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who turns 40 during the season. Center back Rio Ferdinand, while only 31, is constantly sidelined by an array of injuries.

"We have a great mix of some senior players and a whole crop of younger players coming through," Van der Sar said. "United emphasize they are a club that produces young players. I can see some who will be here for a long time."

Pivotal to United regaining the Premier League trophy from Chelsea - having finished runner-up in May after three straight titles - is a fit and inform Wayne Rooney.

Although he scored 34 times for United last season, the England striker was beset by injuries in the last two months of the campaign and failed to score at the World Cup.

No natural strike partner for Rooney has emerged at United, with Dimitar Berbatov still struggling to make an impact two years after becoming the club's most expensive player, while Michael Owen's first season was restricted by hamstring troubles.

There could be a heavy reliance on Hernandez, who Ferguson believes would have cost three times his seven-million-pound fee had the Mexican been signed after an impressive World Cup.

"There's no doubt Hernandez has got tremendous pace and penetration," Ferguson said. "We've played two strikers in the past. It doesn't mean its going to happen every week but it will happen on some occasions.

"Hernandez has had a good start. He's an intelligent player."

If United surpasses the record of 18 English championship crowns it shares with Liverpool, the milestone could be the moment for Ferguson to call time on a managerial reign that stretches back to 1986.

"The key is perseverance in this job, and energy to make sure your drive doesn't change," the Scot said. "Your job sometimes is like teaching. A teacher's job is to inspire the pupils to feel better and to make them feel as if with their talent they can progress, and also that they need to work hard."