More money for Ferguson

MANCHSTER United's manager Alex Ferguson has been told that he will be able to splash the cash this summer.

This, despite the club incurring massive debts following Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover.

On Monday, United announced a multi-million pound, five-year deal with Spanish commercial giants Grupo 2002 to promote residential properties throughout the globe.

And Old Trafford's chief executive David Gill has confirmed the cash generated will help finance any major transfer-market moves in the summer.

Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves tops the list of potential signings.

'We will be pitching for players,' Gill said.

'We bought Michael Carrick and Tomasz Kuszczak last summer, and we will continue to invest in the team as necessary. The funds are there.'

He believes the club's illustrious history means they will always attract big-sponsorship deals, reported The Sun.

The Spain contract follows similar tie-ups with Air Asia, Budweiser, Audi and Kumho Tyres.

He said: 'The success of the team is a factor but it is not a case that we are getting all these new deals because we are doing well this season.

'We did one of the biggest shirt sponsorship deals in the history of football with AIG last year when we were out of the Champions League, chasing Chelsea in the league and had been knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool.

'It is not only about playing winning football. It is about the attractiveness of it.'