The Premier League champions already have Tom Cleverley, Michael Owen, Javier Hernandez, Fabio, Rafael, Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic out, with the latter two of particular concern given their lengthy injuries.

"It's never been a route we've taken consistently, unless it's a player we've always been interested in that appears and there's no sign of that at the moment," Ferguson said.

"It's not always suitable to us. Darren (Fletcher) is a loss to us and he's such a great professional - it's not easy to replace that, but we'll have to think about it."

United travel to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday as they aim to close the gap on their local rivals Manchester City.

"I think they have done well Queens Park Rangers and they've given themselves a chance by investing to stay in the Premier League. They've brought in a few players and they're not going to be easy," he said.

"It's a possibility (young French midfielder Paul Pogba could play) because he is a big strong lad. He's a good athlete and he is improving, he's developing well."