Boss makes plans for trio

Sir Alex Ferguson has outlined where new boys Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea fit into his plans.

Speaking exclusively to Inside United, the official club magazine, the manager has revealed that he is considering Young as a left-winger while Jones will be pushing for a first-team spot sooner rather than later despite his tender years. As for De Gea, the keeper comes with a challenge to become part of the future of the club.

"Ashley can play in more than one position," said Sir Alex. "He can play wide right, left, even behind the striker, so we have options there. But, initially, we'll start him as a wide left player.

"We first identified Jones when he played for Blackburn's youth team against us a couple of years ago when they beat us 3-0. He was absolutely magnificent.

"You might think he might not play, but the ability he's got and the determination he's got, he could quite easily play. He's the future obviously, but he could certainly come in right away."

De Gea will compete for a place between the sticks and is rightly regarded as potentially first-choice despite the impressive work on tour from Anders Lindegaard.

"We worked hard to get the deal done because it wasn't easy," added the manager. "Atletico Madrid obviously regarded him very highly. But we managed to get it done and we're delighted he joined us.