Ferguson seeks striking reinforcements for United

The Cristiano Ronaldo saga successfully concluded, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will turn his hand to what he considers another pressing priority this week - finding a new striker.

Five days remain before the start of the Premier League season and Ferguson is hopeful of boosting his attacking options in time for the champions' opening fixture at home to Newcastle United on Sunday.

"It's possible, we'll try, we've got one or two options we're looking at and hopefully we can get something done before the start of the season," Ferguson said.

United, who collected the season's first piece of silverware by winning Sunday's Community Shield against Portsmouth, are one of only two Premier League teams - with Everton - yet to make a significant signing ahead of the new campaign.

They beat Portsmouth on penalties after a goalless draw at Wembley which underlined why Ferguson is keen to recruit another striker. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha all unavailable, Carlos Tevez was the sole attacker available to the manager.

Rooney may be fit to face Newcastle after contracting a virus during the club's pre-season visit to Nigeria but Ronaldo is still recovering after ankle surgery while Saha's future at Old Trafford looks in serious doubt after long-standing fitness problems.

Ferguson said: "It (the need for a new forward) has been pressing since last season. We always like to have four strikers but we've not had that. But there's some light at the end of the tunnel."