United concern over Hargreaves chase after Bayern change

MANCHESTER, Feb 2 (Reuters) Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson conceded today that the change of management at Bayern Munich could muddy the waters in his chase for Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The league leaders were unable to strike a deal to bring the England international to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

United are likely to try again in the summer but with Felix Magath being replaced by Ottmar Hitzfeld as coach of the Bundesliga side the prospects of a transfer could change.

''That's possible because everyone has their own ambition to improve their club. Particularly when a new manager comes in, I am sure they will give him support he needs,'' Ferguson told reporters.

''Because it's Ottmar Hitzfeld and he had a great experience with Bayern in the past, then obviously they will listen to him.

''That's an obvious worry for us, but we won't know until we get down to talking to them, if that does happen.'' The next leg of United's title pursuit takes them to Tottenham on Sunday when their advantage at the top of the table will be down to three points if, as expected, Chelsea win at struggling Charlton the day before.

United, who have won just one of their last four away games, still also have to go to Chelsea, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Everton and Manchester City and Ferguson admits their away fixtures look harder than their London rivals.

Ferguson said: ''In my experience here we have never been handled titles. You had to go and win them and we will have to do that this time again.

''Analysing all the away games is pointless. We know we have a tough game on Sunday so let's make sure we're ready for Sunday. If we get through that one, that's one out of the road.'' Ferguson reported a fully fit squad for the game at White Hart Lane.

Reuters SAM DB2002