Charlton expects Man Utd signings

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Manchester United director Sir Bobby Charlton says manager Sir Alex Ferguson will strengthen his side's Premiership title push by bringing in new players.

United head the top flight by eight points from champions Chelsea, with the January transfer window approaching.

And, asked if Ferguson would be making new signings, United legend Charlton told BBC Sport: "Absolutely.

"We think we have good enough players but we just maybe have to be a bit careful we don't have cover for them."

Doubts have been raised over United's strength in depth compared to that of Chelsea and any weaknesses could be exposed during the second half of the season as the challenge for the domestic title, FA Cup and Champions League takes its toll.

We are in a great position. We've got a few points start but we have a lot of football to play Sir Bobby Charlton

Ferguson has been linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres but Charlton was keeping quiet about any possible targets.

He added: "We have to have cover for our better players.

"If some of the really influential players got injured then that makes it a bit of a problem.

"It's very difficult as we can't mention anybody that we would like to have because immediately the price goes up once Manchester United are interested and it becomes an auction.

"We have to be really careful. We will leave that to Sir Alex and chief executive David Gill. They will keep it nice and private and, hopefully, we will get the players we want."

Ferguson has been cheered by his team's Premiership position

Charlton lauded the revival Ferguson has masterminded at Old Trafford in turning United into title contenders after some recent lean years.

He believes a start that has yielded 14 wins from 17 league games has set the foundation for United's title assault but Charlton knows there is still a long way to go in the race for the Premiership crown.

"For the first time we had a really good start to the season," said Charlton. "We got into matches at the start of the season whereas last year we would draw or even lose them - this year we have won them.

"We can only be judged when we win something and, as far as Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned, there is only one thing that you have to win and that is your own championship. Nothing else matters really.

"We are in a great position. We've got a few points start but we have a lot of football to play.

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"There's a lot of things that will happen. People will make silly mistakes and referees will make stupid decisions. It will happen. It's all colourful and that's football."

<li></li><i>Sir Bobby Charlton was speaking at the launch of the Manchester United Opus, produced by Kraken Sport and Media, which is a 850-page history of the club and took two years to put together.</i>