Ferguson defiant over Heinze

GUANGZHOU, China, July 27, 2007 (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Gabriel Heinze that Manchester United remain confident they will not be forced to sell him to Liverpool - despite the Argentinian's decision to enlist Anfield solicitors in a bid to force the move.
Ferguson, speaking after United wrapped up their Far East tour with a 3-0 win against Chinese outfit Guangzhou Pharmaceutical on Friday, insists that United intend to stop Heinze moving to Liverpool.
The Argentinian full-back believes he has the right to negotiate a 6.8 million pound move to Anfield, but having made plans to take action against United, Ferguson has urged the defender to ensure he has the correct advice.
Ferguson said: "We're aware that he (Heinze) is taking legal advice, but that's good. I just hope it's good advice because we are confident about our position."
"It's straightforward for us because he has been instructed to return for pre-season training on August 6. That will have given him three weeks rest following the Copa America, but we expect him back a week on Monday."
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Lee Martin completed the win against Guangzhou in sweltering conditions in Guangdong Province.
Nani's first-half chip was his second in two games since his 17.3-million-pound arrival from Sporting Lisbon.
But despite his impressive start at United, Ferguson expects the 20-year-old to make more improvement before the start of the season on August 12.
He said: "After his injury during the European U-21 Championships, the first thing we had to do with Nani was give him some football in order to get him up to our level.
"But he is nowhere near our level at the moment and he will need at least a couple of weeks' more work before he shows a real improvement. He has the skills, though, and real speed and two goals in two games is a good start for him."
Ferguson admitted that United's four-game tour of Asia had been a perfect preparation base for the club's defence of their Premiership title, despite the tough conditions in the Far East.
"It was very, very hot out there and that contributed to the slowness of the play, but Guangzhou made it difficult for us and I was happy to go in 2-0 ahead at the break," said the United boss.
"This trip has been good for us, though, because all of the players have had plenty of football and I am happy about our preparation levels for the start of the season.
"Everything about the tour has been a success from my point of view, from the football to the reception we have had wherever we have been. It has been excellent."

from:www.espnstar.com