Brazil star Lucas MouraIn what could be the biggest week of United’s summer Moura is close to completing a £30m move to Old Trafford, while Ferguson also hopes to beat City and Juventus to the signature of Arsenal’s want-away Dutch international.
A fee is understood to have been agreed with Sao Paulo for their 19-year-old attacking midfielder.
Ferguson stayed back in Manchester as his team travelled to Norway to face Valerenga on Sunday in a bid to wrap up the deal for one of Brazilian football’s most exciting prospects.
But Moura isn’t the only player on the United manager’s wanted list, having spent the summer chasing Van Persie in his bid to reclaim the Premier League title from City.
The Arsenal striker’s future has been the subject of intense speculation all summer after he announced that he wouldn’t sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.
City manager Roberto Mancini has also made him his top target, with Juventus also keen to take him to Italy.
Ferguson believes United are Van Persie’s preferred destination, but much will depend on who can meet Arsenal’s asking price.
The North London club are now resigned to losing their star player and are believed to be holding out for £20m.
Ferguson knows United will lose in an all out bidding war with City, but hopes the player will relish the challenge of a move to Old Trafford.
The arrival of Moura will be a major boost following the signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell already this summer.
Negotiations with Sao Paulo have been long-winded with the Brazilian club determined not to let the teenage sensation leave on the cheap.
United had as many as two bids rejected, but appear to have finally reached agreement.
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Inter Milan were the main rivals for Moura, but Ferguson has been determined to clinch the deal as he looks to rebuild his midfield following last season’s title defeat.
In recent years, United have shied away from spending big money on older, more experienced players in favour of younger ones.
Of their own youngsters, England Under-18 international Tyler Blackett made a positive impression during United’s recent tour of South Africa and China.
And midfield duo Adnan Januzaj and Mats Daehli are others who are making an impact, although, as usual, though they will be presented with opportunities, the competition for that coveted first-team berth will be huge.
United’s former England defender Gary Neville believes any new arrivals – other than proven superstars – will face tough competition in what he maintains is already a strong squad.
“The manager will always sign players he believes will develop into exceptional players,” said Neville. “There have been these stories about Lucas and no one knows what is going to happen with Robin van Persie.
“It is always difficult to find the right players though.
“Manchester United already have an excellent squad who finished equal on points with the champions last year.”
Neville was speaking after a friendly with a difference was played between a United XI and Forest Green.
Neville was the guest of honour at the New Lawn for the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
On one level, it was an opportunity for the likes of Blackett to enhance their reputations, on another, it was a chance for Neville to push his new ‘Sustainability in Sport’ project at the most environmentally-friendly club in the football pyramid.
“Sports bring everyone together at all age groups,” said Neville.
“You saw the power of Euro 2012 and now it is the Olympics.
“That means we can combine children and young people with the fact that sustainability, energy and climate change are huge issues in today’s society. Hopefully it is a good marriage.”
For the record, United’s draw – earned through goals from Joshua King and young Brazilian trialist Agnaldo – was achieved in a ground that is powered by a ground-based solar system, surrounded by wildlife habitats, on a near-organic pitch where all the water is recycled against players wearing shirts washed by phosphate-free powder.
It is a revolutionary combination, the brainchild of Dale Vince, Forest Green’s chairman.
“It is a pilot project,” said Neville. “Dale set up the UK’s first renewable energy company 20 years ago.
“Other clubs will follow but we need to promote the message and make people more aware because the issue of climate change is not going away.”
However, there was a more fundamental aspect to the game, which allowed Neville to recount his own playing days.
“I remember playing in these types of games in pre-season as a youth player,” he said. “You are playing in front of a few thousand as opposed to later in the season when there might be 500 for the reserves. United bring young players through and hopefully some of these lads can go on to become great footballers.”
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