Sir Alex: No buys planned

"But let me reiterate, contrary to what some people seem to be fixated about, money for a transfer is not a problem if I deem it necessary."

United fans will certainly hope first-team physio Rob Swire is kept quiet over the festive period, when the Reds welcome Wigan Athletic (26 December) and Blackburn Rovers (31 December) to Old Trafford. After all, the treatment room at Carrington is crowded as it is, with at least eight players definitely ruled out of the Boxing Day clash.

There is some good news on the injury front, however. Phil Jones may be fit to face the Latics on Monday, despite rumours suggesting he'd broken his jaw and could be out for up to six weeks after clashing with Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey last Wednesday.

"We have good news on Phil Jones," the manager told media at his weekly press conference, less than 48 hours after the incident. "He should be okay for [Wigan]. He has some swelling in his jaw but there's no break, no fracture, which is good news."

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