With Louis Saha written out of his plans and Wayne Rooney only just returned to training after picking up a virus in Nigeria, the Manchester United boss had only Carlos Tevez to call on for this afternoon's Community Shield win over Portsmouth at Wembley.

Tevez responded with a man-of-the-match display containing everything but a goal as United triumphed in a penalty shoot-out.

But Ferguson admits getting a forward in time for Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener with Newcastle is now a pressing concern.

"It has been pressing since the end of last season," said the Scot.

"We like to operate with four strikers and we have not been able to do that."

There is bound to be fresh speculation over a move for Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, while Karim Benzema, David Villa and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have also been linked with Old Trafford over the last few months.

Henry's name has just been added to that list despite the 31-year-old's obvious link with Arsenal.

Tellingly, it was an issue Ferguson chose to skirt round rather than reject.

"There is a name every day," he said.

"I can't answer the question because I don't have the right answer.

"It is possible I will sign someone this week. We are trying and we are looking at one or two options.

"Hopefully we will get something done."

Ferguson seems to have few problems in other areas.

Even with Owen Hargreaves and Park Ji-sung among the injured and Michael Carrick restricted to a place on the bench, United's midfield is packed with quality.

And in defence Ferguson is facing one of the biggest dilemmas of his managerial career as he decides whether to stick with Wes Brown, who performed so heroically last season, or bring back Gary Neville, who was making his first domestic appearance since breaking an ankle in March 2007.

"It is a cruel game," reflected Ferguson.

"Wes only missed two games last season and was absolutely outstanding.

"It is certainly a dilemma. Looking at it, I don't think Gary will play all the time. If we get 35 games out of him I would be delighted, so Wes Brown can do a job there."

It seems that Neville might get the nod, although Ferguson does not think the 33-year-old should come into Fabio Capello's thoughts when the Italian names his England squad for the friendly with the Czech Republic later this week.

"Gary could play in a friendly, that would not be a problem because he needs games," said Ferguson.

"But I would like him to play a few with us before he got to that crucial moment when you get back into international football.

"Gary had an hour today, which was perfect for him.

"When you think about the length of time Gary has been out for, to come back the way he has is remarkable.

"But he is a remarkable man. He has enthusiasm and determination and the quality of his game is superb."

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:: Celtic unveiled new signing Marc Crosas in front of their supporters and revealed more Barcelona prospects could follow the midfielder to Parkhead.