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Fergie not currently considering January transfers

Sir Alex Ferguson will not rush into a reaction after United's European demise © Getty Images

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has played down the possibility of making reinforcements to his squad in the January transfer window.

Ferguson's United squad have been criticised in recent days, after the club slumped out of the Champions League following a surprise away defeat to FC Basel on Wednesday. Now facing an ignominious run in the Europa League during the second half of the season, many had expected the Scot to open his cheque-book and make additions to his options at Old Trafford when the window opens.

However, Ferguson has played down that possibility - saying previous January signings including Henrik Larsson, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra are exceptions rather than the norm.

"It is very difficult to buy players in January," Ferguson said. "You don't just want to buy any player simply because it gives you another one. You want to buy someone who can make a difference.

"We have only had maybe four or five signings in my time here in January. It is not a consistent route for us simply because of all the disadvantages."

The difficulty of prising players from clubs mid-season, as well as the complications surrounding which potential signings would be eligible for United's Europa League campaign, will also affect Ferguson's willingness to dip into the market.

"It is not easy to get players in January," said Ferguson. "I am not quite sure if you went for a player if he could play in the Europa League. There is criteria there in the sense of playing in the Champions League and whether they could play in the Europa League.

"There are a lot of issues there but there is nothing in my mind at the moment."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.