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Ferguson: Chelsea rule transfer market

26/10/2005

Manchester United are unable to compete with Chelsea in the transfer market, according to Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Sir Alex, who has a mountain to climb if his team are to catch the Premiership champions this season, said Roman Abramovich's billions had put the Blues in a league of their own when it comes to signing players.

United missed out on both Arjen Robben and Michael Essien, despite tracking both players for some time. Essien has quickly established himself in Chelsea's midfield leaving frustrated United fans to wonder if he could have been the man to fill Roy Keane's boots.

"If Chelsea go for a player we are interested in, we are not going to beat them, so there is no point even going for him," Sir Alex said during an interview with Century FM.

But while United might not be able to compete with Abramovich's cheque book, Sir Alex hopes some players, especially youngsters, might prefer to play their football at Old Trafford.

"Any young player wanting to progress his career should think seriously about joining us because, as our record proves, we do give them a chance," he said.

Chelsea have a seemingly limitless supply of cash and have demonstrated that they are prepared to pay well over the market value for players Jose Mourinho wants in his squad.

Sir Alex has though been able to bring in major signings in recent years, including Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, who cost almost £60 million between them.

This season though, injuries to Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and last season's player of the year, Gabriel Heinze, have undermined hopes of winning back the Premiership title.

An under-strength United have made a spluttering start and already find themselves ten points behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

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