Fergie denies Smith exit

• bryanseb

  23 Dec 06, 11:55

  Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports that Alan Smith could be on his way out of Old Trafford.
  
  Smith has yet to return to make a first-team start following his horrific double leg fractured suffered against Liverpool ten months ago.
  
  The England international has made a handful of substitute appearances and was heavily linked with a loan move to regain his match fitness prior to the deadline last month.
  
  Reports suggested Everton were planning a transfer window move for the 26-year-old, but Ferguson isn't looking to offload the striker.
  
  When asked if he would reject any approach from Everton, the United chief replied: "Yes, that is correct.
  
  "Alan is doing really well at the moment. We put him on a speed programme, which had an immediate effect and we have seen a tremendous improvement in him over the last month.
  
  "He is certainly not far away now.
  
  "I wanted to take him down to West Ham but he didn't want to go. He just wanted to stay and train on his own. He deserves great credit for that because it is not easy.
  
  "He doesn't want to travel again tomorrow either, so he will be training again."
• dragg

  23 Dec 06, 11:58

  fergie is playing mind games.
  
  i believe he wants to offload smith for funds to further strengthen his squad.
  
• bryanseb

  23 Dec 06, 12:01

  Originally posted by dragg:

  fergie is playing mind games.
  
  i believe he wants to offload smith for funds to further strengthen his squad.
  

  At the same time, he needs more options up front. Just in case Rooney or Saha cant find the form.
• leo-kun

  23 Dec 06, 12:08

  i felt smith not bad ma....but SAF will still sell him..
• bryanseb

  23 Dec 06, 12:10

  Originally posted by leo-kun:

  i felt smith not bad ma....but SAF will still sell him..

  provided SAF buy another striker over.