So far, Tottenham have shown no sign of bowing to the wishes of Dimitar Berbatov by allowing the Bulgarian to join Manchester United.

David Silva, Thierry Henry and Klaas Jan Huntelaar seem equally unattainable, raising the possibility the transfer window will close with United not having added to their current strike force.

That includes untested youngsters Fraizer Campbell and Danny Welbeck, plus injury-prone Frenchman Louis Saha, who is predictably sidelined at present.

Ferguson has not given up just yet but he accepts the clock is ticking.

"I am less optimistic than I was," said Ferguson, recalling that exactly a week ago he said a surprise was imminent.

"We have 11 days left before the transfer deadline and we are working at something but you never know in football.

"It may happen, it may not. If it doesn't we will carry on with what we have got."

If Ferguson fails to get the addition he is looking for, it will mean an added burden for Wayne Rooney.

The England forward has been criticised recently for spending too much time covering ground he should really leave to others.

It is an observation Fabio Capello, among others, has made. And while Ferguson is not willing to chastise the 22-year-old for what he regards as an admirable trait, he accepts it is something Rooney needs to work on.

"Wayne does too much around the pitch at the expense of what he does up front," said Ferguson.

"It is a waste of his energy to chase back to our own penalty area for instance.

"But it is not something to worry about too much. It is purely down to enthusiasm and natural energy. He just loves playing football."

In that sense, Ferguson likened Rooney to former United skipper Roy Keane.

And, like Keane, the Red Devils chief feels the Merseysider will learn with experience.

"With Keane, where the ball was, he wanted to be there," said Ferguson.

"There is nothing wrong with that enthusiasm.

"Don't forget Wayne is only 22. We hope to channel what he does.

"His natural affection for the game will help him too. He has started to identify the fact it is a weakness.

"He needs to be more involved around the edge of the box - but it is only a small correction."

Changing a mindset might be slightly harder.

For, as Rooney freely admits, standing by and watching others do the work is not in his nature.

"I am an unselfish player, I have said that many times," he said.

"I don't just judge my performance on goals, I look at assists and how I have helped the team play. That is the way my game is."

Ferguson could do with a couple of Rooney specials against Portsmouth on Monday.

Having drawn their opening game against Newcastle last weekend, United know they need to record a rare win at Fratton Park if they are not to fall an uncomfortable distance behind the pace-setters.

Next week's encounter with Fulham has been postponed due to United's Super Cup commitment in Monaco and with the top eight from last term's Premier League to be faced away from home in the first half of this season, life could not be much tougher.

"It is a big challenge," said Ferguson.

"There is no doubt Chelsea gained a convincing result last weekend.

"But it is very difficult to assess the league in early season. You have to be patient and wait to see how it is going to shape up.

"One thing is for sure, they will not give medals out in August and September."

Once again, United will be lacking bodies.

Anderson will travel to the south coast but is unlikely to start given his flight back from Beijing tomorrow.

Nani is still suspended and Michael Carrick sidelined with an ankle injury, so John O'Shea will come into central midfield, while the Old Trafford outfit have received a work permit for Angolan forward Manucho but he is still recovering from a broken foot.

"Everyone's wish is to win every game. But that doesn't happen. "Everyone's wish is not to get injuries. But they happen," observed Ferguson.

"When you have the capability and foundation we have, you know it will come good. You just hope it is sooner rather than later."

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